Slow Cooker Cumin-Infused Beef Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty stew with tender beef and vegetables, flavored with warm cumin and paprika for deep, comforting flavor. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 435 minutes pairs beef chuck, medium carrots, medium potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 445 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 American cuisine 445 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs cubed beef chuck in the slow cooker. Add 3 medium sliced carrots, 3 medium cubed potatoes, 1 large diced onion, and 4 minced garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 3 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 2 bay leaves. Mix well to combine.
  3. Step 3: Cook on low for 7-8 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft, stirring once halfway through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Cumin-Infused Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 435 minutes (15 min prep + 420 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 Cumin-Infused Beef 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 beef chuck from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Cumin-Infused Beef 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 Cumin-Infused Beef 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 Cumin-Infused Beef 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.

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