Slow Cooker Ohio-Style Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty slow-cooked beef stew loaded with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions infused with rich herbs and savory broth. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 445 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes, large yellow onion, chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 25 min Cook: 420 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 2 lbs beef chuck cubes with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef cubes in batches, searing for 2-3 minutes per side until browned on all sides. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté 1 large chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to intensify flavor.
  4. Step 4: Transfer onion mixture to the slow cooker with beef. Add 3 sliced carrots, 3 diced russet potatoes, 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 bay leaf, remaining 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Stir gently to combine, cover, and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaf before serving. Spoon stew into bowls and enjoy the comforting Ohio-style beef stew.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Ohio-Style Beef Stew with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 445 minutes (25 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 Ohio-Style Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 large yellow onion, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Ohio-Style Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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 Ohio-Style Beef Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Ohio-Style Beef Stew with Root Vegetables?

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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