There’s nothing quite like walking through the door after a long day and being greeted by the savory aroma of a comforting meal simmering in your slow cooker. Honestly, it feels a bit like a warm hug—without the laundry or homework or dinner chaos that usually comes with 5:30 p.m. 😅
This Beef Stew Slow Cooker recipe with onion soup mix is one of my favorite one-pot wonders. It’s hearty, flavorful, and basically cooks itself while you handle, well, everything else. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes—warm, filling, and packed with tender beef and veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Let me count the ways…
- Set it and forget it: Toss it all in before work, and come home to dinner ready to serve.
- Packed with flavor: The onion soup mix adds that rich, savory depth without needing a spice cabinet full of extras.
- Family-friendly: Even the picky eaters in my house go for seconds!
- Minimal prep: Chopping a few veggies is as complicated as it gets.
And if you’re into batch cooking or just love leftovers (hi, fellow meal prep mamas!), this stew stores and reheats like a dream.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this cozy stew to life:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 medium potatoes, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Let’s Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the veggies.
Chop your potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. If you’ve got a little kitchen helper, this is a great kid-friendly task—just maybe not with the onions! 😉 - Layer it up.
In your slow cooker, start with the beef stew meat. Layer the chopped veggies over the top. - Mix the flavor magic.
In a bowl, combine the onion soup mix, beef broth, tomato paste, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended. - Pour and cook.
Pour the mixture over the beef and veggies in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours—until the beef is fall-apart tender and the veggies are soft. - Thicken it (optional).
Want a thicker stew? In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the stew. Let it simmer with the lid off until it thickens.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Stew Every Time
- Use chuck roast if you’re cutting your own beef. It gets super tender in the slow cooker.
- Don’t skip the tomato paste! It adds richness and a little acidity that balances the savory flavors.
- If your stew feels a little too thin, don’t panic. The cornstarch trick above works like a charm.
- Love a richer flavor? Brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. It’s an optional step, but definitely adds depth.
“Use chuck roast if you’re cutting your own beef. And if you’re unsure about doneness, check the safe meat cooking temperatures—no one wants chewy stew beef!”
A Little Kitchen Storytime
This recipe became a staple in my house when my youngest went through a phase of “only eating things with potatoes.” (Don’t worry, she grew out of it… sort of.) The first time I made it, she took one bite, gave me a thumbs up, and said, “You can make this every day.” High praise from a six-year-old, right?
FAQs About This Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Can I use frozen beef stew meat?
Yes! Just make sure to defrost it first. Tossing frozen meat straight in might result in uneven cooking.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Yukon golds or red potatoes hold their shape well. Russets will break down more, but if you like your stew a little thicker, that’s not a bad thing!
How do I store leftovers?
Let the stew cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully—just reheat low and slow on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, peas, or even sweet potatoes work great here. This stew is wonderfully forgiving.
Looking for more inspiration? Don’t miss our Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup—another cozy classic packed with flavor!
“Looking for more inspiration? Don’t miss our hearty slow cooker beef recipes—they’re perfect for cozy nights in.”
There’s just something magical about a good slow cooker recipe. You toss in a few humble ingredients, go about your day, and come back to a meal that tastes like it took hours (well, it did—but you didn’t have to do anything!). This Beef Stew Slow Cooker Onion Soup Mix recipe is hearty, cozy, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your weekly rotation.
So grab that slow cooker, and let’s make dinner the easy (and delicious) way tonight.
“Need a full meal plan for your slow cooking week? Check out our slow cooker meal plan for busy families—because dinner should never be the hardest part of your day.”
