Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Beef Stew

There’s just something about beef stew, isn’t there? Maybe it’s because it tastes like Sunday at Grandma’s — or maybe it’s just the simple comfort of coming home, peeling off your coat, and smelling that rich, savory goodness before you even kick your shoes off.

I first threw this little slow cooker wonder together on one of those weeks — you know the ones. Work’s nuts, kids’ sports, laundry mountain, and you’re staring at the fridge like, Well, dinner’s not gonna cook itself. Turns out, with this stew, it kinda does.

Five ingredients, ten minutes of “chop and drop,” and you’ve got a bubbling pot of tender beef and veggies by the time you drag yourself back through the door. It’s a hug in a bowl — and around here, that’s reason enough to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Stew (Even on a Monday)

Just 5 simple things — nothing fancy, no mile-long shopping list.
The slow cooker’s your best friend — hands-off, no babysitting.
Smells like you’ve been cooking all day (even if you haven’t).
Makes enough for second helpings — and trust me, you’ll want ‘em.

What You’ll Need

Don’t overthink it — if you’ve got these basics, you’re golden:

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
4 big carrots, peeled and sliced (or baby carrots — I won’t judge)
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Golds hold up great)
1 large onion, chopped (yellow or white, whatever you’ve got rolling around)
2 cups beef broth (boxed, homemade, bouillon — you do you)
Salt and pepper — as much or as little as you like

Little secret? A shake of garlic powder or thyme never hurt anyone.

How to Make It (So Easy It’s Almost Cheating)

Beef goes in first: Plop the meat right into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Pile on the veggies: Toss those carrots, potatoes, and onions in there too.
Broth it up: Pour in the beef broth, sprinkle in salt and pepper — don’t be stingy.
Cover and forget it: Lid on, set it on low for about 8 hours (or high for 4 if you’re short on time).
Stir and taste: When it smells too good to wait, give it a stir and taste for salt. Ladle it up while it’s piping hot.

Make It a Meal

I always serve this with something to mop up the broth — think thick slices of crusty bread, warm biscuits, or even leftover dinner rolls. If you want to fancy it up a bit, a crisp green salad or simple green beans on the side never hurt anybody.

And if you’re feeling a little extra? Spoon the stew over creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of comfort that’ll make you close your eyes for that first bite.

Keep Those Leftovers Cozy

If you’ve got stew left — lucky you! Pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll be good for 3–4 days, and honestly, the flavors get even better.

To warm it back up, pour it into a pot and heat it slow and low. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened too much overnight. This freezes beautifully too — ladle it into freezer bags or containers, label it, and stash it away for up to 3 months. Perfect for nights when you’d rather put your feet up than chop an onion.

Want to Mix It Up?

You know what? This stew’s pretty forgiving:

Brown the beef first: If you’ve got the time and energy, sear the meat in a hot skillet before tossing it in — it makes it extra tasty.
Thicken things up: Stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of cold water about 30 minutes before it’s done.
More veggies? Absolutely — toss in peas, mushrooms, or even a handful of frozen green beans near the end.
Craving a kick? A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes wakes it right up.

Let’s Swap Stories

Well, that’s it, friend — my no-fuss, 5-ingredient beef stew that’s saved my hide more times than I can count. If you give it a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you add your own spin? Did your crew clean their bowls?

Leave me a note in the comments — I read every single one, and it makes my day. And hey, if you’ve got a slow cooker gem of your own, spill the beans! We’re all hungry, we’re all busy, and sometimes we just need something warm waiting for us at the end of the day.

Take care — and happy stewing.