Slow Cooker Precision Beef Stew

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

A deeply flavorful stew with tender beef and vegetables, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker for minimal effort. This french-inspired slow cooker ready in about 505 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, medium carrots, medium potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 480 min Serves 6 French cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Sear beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Dice 3 medium carrots, 3 medium potatoes, and 1 large onion, then mince 3 garlic cloves. Add to slow cooker with 3 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 tsp dried thyme.
  4. Step 4: Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Precision Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 505 minutes (25 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 Precision 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 roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Precision 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 Precision 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 Precision Beef Stew?

French 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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