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Homemade Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Carrots & Peas photo

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Carrots & Peas

This Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Carrots & Peas is a cozy, tender, and flavorful classic perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3 large carrots sliced
  • 2 cups frozen peas
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing and sautéing
  • 2 bay leaves bay leaves for subtle earthy flavor

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Large Skillet
  • Sharp Knife
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

  1. Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan, and sear each side until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to bring out its rich, concentrated flavor.
  5. Transfer the seared beef and sautéed aromatics to your slow cooker.
  6. Add the sliced carrots, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, and beef broth. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld.
  8. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. They will thaw and cook quickly.
  9. Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Discard the bay leaves before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or mashed potatoes if desired.

Notes

  • This stew freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • For best texture, add fresh peas when reheating rather than freezing them with the stew.
  • Browning the beef adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables such as potatoes or celery for extra texture.
  • Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter stew option.