Slow Cooker Chunky Beef and Potato Stew

 

Slow Cooker Chunky Beef and Potato Stew: A Hearty, Homestyle Classic

When the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Chunky Beef and Potato Stew. This slow-cooked classic is everything a good stew should be — thick, rich, and brimming with tender beef, hearty potatoes, and rustic vegetables. Best of all, your slow cooker does most of the work, transforming simple ingredients into a soul-soothing meal.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a go-to for anyone who loves the kind of cooking that fills your kitchen with the smell of home.

---

Why You'll Love This Stew

✅ Hands-off cooking — Let the slow cooker do the magic while you go about your day
✅ Deep, developed flavor — Low and slow cooking makes the beef incredibly tender
✅ Perfectly chunky — Loaded with big bites of meat, potatoes, and veggies
✅ Nutritious and satisfying — A one-pot meal that hits all the marks
✅ Great for leftovers — Tastes even better the next day

This stew is a true set-it-and-forget-it recipe, perfect for busy weekdays, lazy Sundays, or a cold winter evening.

---

Key Ingredients

The beauty of this stew is in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Beef chuck roast or stew meat – Well-marbled and ideal for slow cooking

• Potatoes – Russets for a starchy, thick texture or Yukon Golds for a creamier bite

• Carrots – Add color, sweetness, and texture

• Celery & onions – Essential for a flavorful base

• Garlic – Brings depth and warmth

• Beef broth – For that rich, savory foundation

• Tomato paste or diced tomatoes – Adds umami and slight acidity

• Worcestershire sauce – A splash of bold, tangy flavor

• Bay leaves & herbs – Think thyme, rosemary, or parsley

• Salt & pepper – To taste

Optional:

• Peas or green beans – Stir in during the last 30 minutes for a pop of color and texture

• Cornstarch slurry – If you want to thicken the stew at the end

---

How to Make Slow Cooker Chunky Beef and Potato Stew

1. Brown the beef (optional but recommended): Sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet to lock in flavor, then transfer to the slow cooker.

2. Add vegetables: Layer in the chopped potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic.

3. Pour in broth and seasonings: Add beef broth, tomato paste or tomatoes, Worcestershire, herbs, salt, and pepper.

4. Cover and cook:

   • On LOW for 7–8 hours or

   • On HIGH for 4–5 hours

5. Finish & thicken (optional): Stir in peas or a cornstarch slurry if desired. Let cook for another 15–30 minutes.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot with crusty bread or a simple salad.

---

Tips for Best Results

• Cut ingredients evenly for uniform cooking.

• Avoid over-stirring during cooking — let the slow cooker do its job.

• Deglaze the skillet after searing beef with a splash of broth or wine and pour it into the cooker — that flavor is gold!

• Don’t lift the lid too often — it slows down the cooking time.

---

Serving Suggestions

• A warm slice of crusty sourdough or cornbread

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette

• A dollop of sour cream or fresh herbs on top for extra richness

---

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Like many stews, the flavors deepen and improve over time — so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day.

---

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chunky Beef and Potato Stew is more than just a meal — it’s a hug in a bowl. With big, bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re gathering around the table or tucking into a quiet solo dinner, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies on every level.

So grab your slow cooker, gather a few simple ingredients, and let this classic stew warm your heart and your kitchen.