Slow-Cooker Herb-Infused Beef Stew

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

A deeply flavorful, fall-apart tender beef stew with root vegetables and aromatic herbs. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 28 minutes pairs beef chuck, carrots, potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 490 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 American cuisine 490 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim 1.5 lbs beef chuck of excess fat and cut into 1-inch cubes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches for 3 minutes per side until deeply seared, then transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Dice 1 onion and 3 medium carrots, then mince 3 garlic cloves. Add to slow cooker with 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, stirring to coat.
  4. Step 4: Pour 3 cups beef broth over ingredients, then add 2 sprigs fresh rosemary and 1 tbsp fresh thyme.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
  6. Step 6: Discard rosemary stems, then add 2 diced medium potatoes and cook uncovered for 1 additional hour until potatoes are tender.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 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 Herb-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 Herb-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 Herb-Infused Beef Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Herb-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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