Slow Cooker Budget Beef & Potato Stew
A comforting stew made with affordable chuck roast that becomes fork-tender after 8 hours, perfect for meal prep. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes pairs cubed chuck roast, medium, cubed potatoes, medium, sliced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cubed chuck roast
- 3 medium, cubed potatoes
- 4 medium, sliced carrots
- 1 large, chopped onion
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season cubed chuck roast with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear roast in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Step 3: Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker with the beef. Pour in 3 cups beef broth, add 1 tsp dried rosemary, and 2 bay leaves.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until beef is fork-tender and potatoes are fully cooked. Remove bay leaves before serving. The stew should have a rich, thick consistency that coats the spoon without being watery.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Budget Beef & Potato Stew take to make?
Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Budget Beef & Potato Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cubed chuck roast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Budget Beef & Potato Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Budget Beef & Potato Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Budget Beef & Potato Stew?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
