The BEST Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

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5 from 1 vote
Published: December 20, 2021Author: Camille Beckstrand
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During the winter months, we love to make warm and hearty meals. Our slow cooker beef stew is just that! It has all the wonderful flavors you would expect and more with tender chunks of beef and vegetables to create one of the best comfort food recipes on a cold day.
The BEST Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

If you love a thick and hearty slow cooker beef stew, this is the recipe for you! One thing we love about the cold wintertime is that you can never get enough slow cooker recipes.

This is the best slow cooker beef stew you will ever try (and it’s so easy!). This is an easy beef stew recipe that will come together in minutes.

While it cooks throughout the day it develops all the wonderful old fashioned beef stew recipe flavors you expect to taste.

If you are looking for a recipe to throw in the crock before work, this slow cooker beef with onion soup mix is exactly what you need!

You will be excited to race home for dinner after work and have it ready to eat.

How to make Slow Cooker Beef Stew:

Crock pot beef stew ingredients:

  • Beef stew cubes
  • Carrots (you could also use baby carrots)
  • Red potatoes
  • Bay leaf
  • Dry onion soup mix
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Tomato sauce
  • Frozen green peas

If you do not have the cream of mushroom soup you can replace it with cream of chicken, just know it will alter the taste of the stew a bit.

You can also make your own Cream of Mushroom soup – just check out this recipe here.

Chopped Vegetables and Stew Meat
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Kitchen items needed to make this crock pot beef stew:

  1. Crock pot / slow cooker (THIS one is my favorite to use)
  2. Non-stick cooking spray
  3. Small-sized mixing bowl

Pro-tip: Be sure you start this wonderful beef stew early enough as it does take most of the day to cook and develop all of those lovely flavors! 

This is also a great recipe to make if you will be gone all day since it can cook for up to 10 hours in the slow cooker.

If you have an Instant Pot, be sure to check out this Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe!

Related Article: These Slow Cooker Beef Gyros are prepped in under 30 minutes! 

How do you make this savory crock pot beef stew?

Begin by spraying the bottom of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or if you prefer easier cleanup, check out these amazing slow cooker liners. I am always a fan of less work after a making a delicious meal.

Then, place the beef cubes on the bottom of the slow cooker, then add in the carrots you have chopped, and diced red potatoes and then top it off with the bay leaf.

Now, in a small mixing bowl, add in one package of onion soup mix (the ounces may vary depending on the brand you use), cans of cream of mushroom soup, and tomato sauce, and frozen peas.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Mix everything together well and then pour it over top of the beef and veggies, trying to spread it as evenly as possible.

If desired, you can place a bay leaf on top for added flavor, but it’s not necessary.

Bay Leaves

Then, simply put the lid on the slow cooker and turn it on low and set the timer between 7-10 hours.

If you need to, it can cook on high for 5-6 hours, but we prefer the low and slow method (the meat just falls apart after cooking for that long!).

We LOVE to serve rolls with our stew, perfect to dip and even clean up your bowls with! If you like to make your own, check out our 30 Minute Dinner Rolls.

Tips for this easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe:

  • This meal can easily be made into a freezer meal. To make this a freezer meal, place all ingredients in a resealable gallon-sized freezer bag (or another freezer-safe container). Mix contents together in the bag and zip bag closed. When ready to eat, remove the bag from the freezer and thaw it in the fridge for 24 hours. Then spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray and the pour contents of bag into the slow cooker. And simply cook on LOW for 7-10 hours (or HIGH for 5-6 hours).
  • No worries if you don’t have beef stew cubes at your grocery store – you can buy your favorite beef roast and cut it into bite-sized pieces yourself.
  • I prefer to add double the meat, just to make it even more hearty.

Make this Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe your own:

You can add whatever veggies you like! Here are a few suggestions:

  • Green beans
  • Veggie mix
  • Corn
  • Green Peppers
  • Red Peppers
Close up ofSlow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe in slow cooker

More Slow Cooker recipes to try:

  1. EASY SLOW COOKER BEEF LASAGNA RECIPE
  2. SLOW COOKER KOREAN BEEF TACOS
  3. SLOW COOKER BEEF MINESTRONE SOUP
  4. SLOW COOKER ITALIAN ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES
  5. SLOW COOKER COCA-COLA BBQ ROAST BEEF
Serves: 6

The Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

5 from 1 vote
One of the easiest recipes I have ever made – and it's super hearty and filling! This also can be made into a freezer meal and is so nice to pull out of the freezer on a day when you don't have time to cook.
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 8 hrs
Total Time 8 hrs 10 mins
Print Pin

Ingredients

  • 1 pound beef stew cubes
  • 4 large carrots (sliced)
  • 4-6 red potatoes (cut into large cubes)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 packet dry onion soup mix (about 1 ounce packet)
  • 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (10.75 ounces each)
  • 1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
  • 1 package frozen green peas (10 ounces)

Instructions

  • Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Place beef cubes at the bottom of the crock pot. Layer carrots, then potatoes, placing bay leaf on top.
  • In a separate bowl, mix remaining ingredients and pour over beef and veggies.
  • Cover with lid and cook on low 7-10 hours (you could cook it on high for 6-7 hours, but I highly recommend the low and slow method).

Notes

How to make this into a freezer meal:
  • Before cooking, place all ingredients in a resealable gallon-sized freezer bag. Mix together and zip bag closed.
  • When ready to eat, remove from freezer and thaw in fridge for 24 hours. Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray and pour contents of bag into slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 7-10 hours (or HIGH for 5-6 hours).

Nutrition

Calories: 372 kcal · Carbohydrates: 50 g · Protein: 29 g · Fat: 7 g · Saturated Fat: 3 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g · Cholesterol: 52 mg · Sodium: 1953 mg · Potassium: 1725 mg · Fiber: 9 g · Sugar: 12 g · Vitamin A: 8885 IU · Vitamin C: 42 mg · Calcium: 85 mg · Iron: 5 mg

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Non-stick Cooking Spray

Recipe Details

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

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Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe close up

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  1. Michelle says:
    November 14, 2011
    do you add water for the soups as you were making them and then add? just want to be sure!
    Reply
  2. Camille says:
    November 14, 2011
    Hi Michelle! Don't add any water for the soups! :) Just dump in the can of condensed soup and the packet of onion soup mix. :) Quick and easy!
    Reply
  3. Michelle says:
    November 19, 2011
    Awesome! it is cooking now!
    Reply
  4. Anonymous says:
    November 21, 2011
    im making mine too, but the beef not tender its hard and it still says it has 2 1/2 hours to go hmmm
    Reply
  5. Crystal says:
    December 15, 2011
    It says 1 (8 oz) can tomato SOUP.....did you mean 1 (8 oz) can tomato SAUCE? I could only find tomato soup in a 10 3/4 oz can but tomato sauce comes in an 8 oz can. I just want to be sure before I make it.
    Reply
  6. Anonymous says:
    December 19, 2011
    How fun to have so many close relatives to share ideas with. You are all blessed.

    Juliesews
    Reply
  7. Anonymous says:
    January 4, 2012
    This recipe looks amazing. found it on pinterest. Making it tomorrow morning!

    I just thought i'd remind people that when using a crock pot to NOT open it. until it says to. Opening it ruins the process and will take longer to cook....
    Reply
  8. Rebekka says:
    January 23, 2012
    I wasn't crazy about this...I'm sorry. It could be because I had to make sure my tomato soup and cream of mushroom was gluten free....sigh*
    Reply
  9. AliciaMonique says:
    February 6, 2012
    How many servings does this make? About 12 or so?!
    This looks sooo delicious, can't wait to try!!! :)
    Reply
  10. Missy says:
    February 26, 2012
    Loved it!! Yummy, Thanks
    I did use only 1/2 can of tomato soup and a can of El PATO (Spicy) tomato sauce to give it a Kick!!
    I would not recommend this to a family w/kids or you can do what I did which was to add a little sour cream to cool it down . I cooked it for a full 9 hours and the meat was very tender as well as the carrots and potatoes.
    Reply
    • Karen says:
      January 12, 2017
      not tomato soup,,tomato sauce
      Reply
  11. Unknown says:
    May 26, 2012
    Made this tonight. 11 hours in crock pot. Perfection. Tender, perfect beef. Soft potatoes. My husband said it needed salt but I don't think so. This recipe is so easy. We'll be making this once a week fer sher.
    Reply
  12. Maryjo Mcgraw says:
    September 30, 2012
    Made this tonight and it was good! We will definitely make it again. It was very easy to throw together.
    Reply
  13. Aundrea Azelton says:
    October 29, 2012
    Not a fan of this recipe. Way too thick and too creamy, not the consistency I look for in beef stew. I added Worchestershire for taste as it was a bit bland and tasted artificial, I suppose thats to be expected as the base came out of a can. It filled our bellies is all i can say that is positive.
    Reply
  14. April says:
    January 2, 2013
    Hardly ever comment on recipes, in fact I think yours are the only ones I do! I thought this was excellent, just "the one" I was looking for! Awesome! Thank you! Followed exactly except I had half a bag of frozen green beans to use up!
    Reply
  15. Six Sisters says:
    January 3, 2013
    We'll have to try adding green beans! Great way to get our daily veggies in! Thanks for your nice comment! You made our day! -The Six Sisters
    Reply
  16. Dave Mills says:
    January 9, 2013
    I added 4oz fresh sliced mushrooms (because I like mushrooms). This recipe was simple and delicious. I'm a real fan of thick stews.
    Reply
  17. Pam Walk says:
    January 27, 2013
    The recipe says tomato "sauce", not tomato soup. This was wonderful. I also added mushrooms.
    Reply
  18. bhelgeson says:
    February 12, 2013
    I made this today and it was amazing. I did want it a little more "soupey," so instead of the 2 cans of cream of mushroom, I did one can of cream of mushroom and one can of water. Also, I didn't use the full 10 oz bag of frozen mixed vegetables (thats what I had on hand instead of peas), only a small part of the bag. It was a boyfriend pleaser for sure. Thank you!
    Reply
  19. Christine says:
    January 9, 2016
    Are you supposed to use condensed cream of mushroom soup? Or just regular cream of mushroom soup??making this now so please answer quickly!
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      January 9, 2016
      Just a can of Campbells cream of Mushroom soup!
      Reply
  20. Jessica says:
    January 12, 2016
    This has been my go to recipe for years ever since I found it on Pinterest. I haven't made it in awhile and was so excited about it. Just thought I'd share! ?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      January 12, 2016
      Thanks Jessica!! Glad you like it and thanks so much for stopping by our blog! Have a great week!! :)
      Reply
  21. Alyssa says:
    January 15, 2016
    My family LOVED this recipe! I did change a few things. I put a lot of salt &pepper on the meat, replaced the peas with corn, and I also added a can of beef broth after the initial 8 hours and let it cook another 45 minutes. Mainly because it wasn't juicy enough, but that could've been because I cut up a lean roast I had in the freezer instead of buying stew meat. Either way delicious recipe and can't wait to make it again!
    Reply
  22. Linda Fairless says:
    February 11, 2016
    The recipe says 1 (1oz) pkg of dry onion soup mix. There are 1.9 oz in the pkg. Do you just use 1 oz of the pkg?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      February 12, 2016
      Sorry about that, you can add the whole package of the onion soup mix. If you are afraid it will be too strong, you can add half and then part way through cooking add the rest if you feel you want it for more flavor. We added the whole package.
      Reply
    • Cynthi says:
      April 6, 2018
      i use just one packet
      Reply
      • Suaan says:
        February 17, 2019
        Hey! I love this recipe and have been making it for a while. I now have an instant pot and was wonderful if this recipe is able to be converted to the instant pot. Thanks!
        Reply
  23. Missy says:
    February 27, 2016
    I made this yesterday, we all absolutely loved it! I did use celery in place of the peas. A keeper recipe for sure.
    Reply
  24. Ally says:
    April 13, 2016
    Made this last week & it turned out great! So much flavor. My bf loved it too, thanks for sharing :)
    Reply
  25. Kay Crawford says:
    September 4, 2016
    Can I replace the cream of mushroom with cream of chicken?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      September 6, 2016
      That should be fine but it will alter the taste a little because cream of chicken and cream of mushroom have a totally different taste.
      Reply
      • Amber says:
        November 30, 2016
        What would you recommend to replace the cream of mushroom?
        Reply
        • Cyd says:
          December 1, 2016
          You could use some beef broth and then thicken it a little with cornstarch or flour/water mixture like you would for gravy. That would add a lot of delicious flavor.
          Reply
    • Cynthi says:
      April 6, 2018
      that's how I make it...with cream of chicken instead of cream of mushroom
      Reply
  26. Stephanie says:
    September 12, 2016
    This is my favorite stew to make! Such a comfort food. Thanks for the recipe. I'm glad fall is on the horizon so I can make it more often.
    Reply
  27. Karen says:
    January 12, 2017
    so you don't mix it all up before cooking?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      January 16, 2017
      Some ingredients you place right in the slow cooker. Others you mix in a bowl and then add it in. It's all in the directions. Hope this helps!
      Reply
  28. Bonnie says:
    January 16, 2017
    Wow!! Great beef stew. So easy to make. My family loved it. Going put some in the freezer. I used the whole can of tomato soup and replaced peas for celery. Delicious!!!
    Reply
  29. Trina says:
    January 28, 2017
    Please clarify if it is tomato soup or sauce that is used.
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      January 30, 2017
      Recipe calls for an 8 ounce can of tomato sauce in the ingredients.
      Reply
    • Dino Clark says:
      December 27, 2020
      When do you stir this during the cook time or at the end ?
      Reply
  30. Wanda says:
    January 31, 2017
    Awesome! Very good taste.
    Reply
  31. Jen says:
    October 18, 2017
    When do you put the peas in?? I am cooking it right away in crockpot not freezing
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      October 19, 2017
      We put the peas in with all of the other ingredients. You can also use frozen peas in this recipe. Just add them in frozen.
      Reply
  32. Inge says:
    October 21, 2017
    Should the stew meat be browned before putting in crockpot?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      October 21, 2017
      The stew meat does not have to be browned before putting in the slow cooker.
      Reply
      • Inge says:
        October 22, 2017
        Thanks for the quick response. It is expected to be cold this week. Will definitely make this dish.
        Reply
  33. Yvonne says:
    November 10, 2017
    I started this before I left for work yesterday when I got home it was done and it looked just like the picture. It calls for no salt. It was so bland. It needs a lot of salt.
    Reply
  34. Alice says:
    January 17, 2018
    I forgot the frozen peas! Can I used canned?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      January 18, 2018
      Canned peas will work too.
      Reply
  35. Linda says:
    July 18, 2018
    Can you use cream of celery instead of the cream of mushroom I am making it now
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      July 19, 2018
      Oh no! Just seeing this now. Cream of celery should be fine. :)
      Reply
  36. Linda says:
    July 18, 2018
    I made this tonight and I wouldn't change this recipe for nothing my niece loved it and so did I
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      July 19, 2018
      Hi Linda. Thanks for taking the time to leave us a comment on the beef stew. So glad you and your niece loved it. Have a great week.
      Reply
  37. Danielle says:
    August 22, 2018
    Hello, I am not a fan of beef could you substitute pork or chicken for this recipe?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      August 23, 2018
      You can substitute any meat of your choosing.
      Reply
      • Susan says:
        February 17, 2019
        Wondering the same thing!
        Reply
        • Cyd says:
          February 26, 2019
          Here is a post the Six Sisters did on converting recipes to the instant pot. https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/how-to-convert-recipes-into-instant-pot-recipes/
          Reply
  38. Sarah says:
    January 11, 2019
    Can you make this in the instant pot?
    Reply
  39. Glenna Marky says:
    January 12, 2019
    Amazing recipe I'm one of those little old ladies who can't spend a lot of time in the kitchen standing up for prep. I just use all frozen veggies dump and forget. My favorites.
    Reply
  40. Jill says:
    January 3, 2020
    This was delicious! We had it for Christmas Eve- so perfect after a busy day and evening church service. I used fresh potatoes and frozen mixed vegetables. I keyed it into MyFitnessPal and stayed in track with my macro goals. Best beef stew recipe anywhere !
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      January 4, 2020
      Hi Jill. So glad you liked the Slow Cooker Beef Stew. It's perfect for a cold winter day! Have a Happy New Year!!
      Reply
  41. Jennifer Hanks says:
    January 4, 2020
    Hey I was wondering do you actually make the onion soup mix like it says on the Lipton box or do you not? Trying to start this tonight but I want to do it correctly.
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      January 8, 2020
      I'm sure this reply is late. But you just sprinkle the dry onion soup mix into the recipe.
      Reply
  42. Amanda says:
    January 22, 2020
    Is there a way to get nutritional info on this recipe so those on Weight Watchers can configure points?
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      January 29, 2020
      You can enter the ingredients into MyFitnessPal for nutrition information.
      Reply
  43. Jen S says:
    January 23, 2020
    This beef stew is best!! I love meals that are easy and delicious! Bonus points bc my kids love it too!!
    Reply
  44. Shirley Anderson says:
    February 19, 2020
    Love your recipes but I joined weight watchers and need the nutrition for this stew.
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      February 22, 2020
      You can add the ingredients into MyFitnessPal and it will give you all the nutritional info you will need for this recipe.
      Reply
  45. Kim says:
    March 3, 2020
    Should I cook this on High if I want to eat it before 7 hours or cook on low for the whole 7 hours. I doubled the meat so I want to make sure it is cooked thoroughly and tender for dinner. Suggestion please.
    Reply
    • Cyd says:
      March 4, 2020
      It will be fine on low for 7 hours.
      Reply
  46. Laurie says:
    July 5, 2020
    I'm confused because I clicked on the link that said "Instant Pot" recipe, but this is obviously for a slow cooker... Did I miss something?
    Reply
  47. Cossette says:
    September 17, 2020
    Making this today in hopes that it will be a quick and easy freezer meal for when baby arrives in 4 months. Need to start my list of quick and easy dinners, so that prepping freezer meals near the end will be a breeze :) planning on making this with 1/2 the amount of potatoes and one additional can of water as we like things more soupy. Otherwise all same ingredients. Usually use the instant pot pressure cook option but going to put it in early today and use the slow cooker function on low for 8 hours. Excited to come back on update on how it was!
    Reply
  48. Molly says:
    October 29, 2020
    Hi! Thank you for such and easy and delicious looking recipe! I see that it serves six, but roughly what is the measurement of a serving? Cup? Half cup? Thanks!
    Reply
    • Momma Cyd says:
      November 11, 2020
      That can vary with each individual. With stew a serving is at least a good cup.
      Reply
  49. Rebecca B. says:
    November 7, 2020
    The flavor of this stew is exactly what I have in mind when I think of classic beef stew from my childhood. I like to buy a family pack of stew meat and a bag of potatoes and make 2 gallon sized ziploc bags full to stick in the freezer. Also love subbing frozen mixed veggies instead of just carrots bc that’s how I roll. Don’t forget the bay leaf! It makes a huge difference in flavor.

    5 stars

    Reply
  50. Jill says:
    December 20, 2021
    Looks delicious. Can this be made in an Instant pot and do you have directions?
    Reply
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