Craving a hearty, homemade dinner but short on time? With this Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe, you can prep everything in just 10 minutes and let your slow cooker do the work. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish combines tender beef, savory vegetables, and rich broth for a comforting meal with minimal effort.

Why Choose Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

1. Convenience: Minimal prep time means you can set it and forget it.
2. Flavorful Results: Slow cooking enhances the flavors, making the stew irresistibly rich.
3. Time-Saving: Just 10 minutes of prep frees you up to focus on your day while dinner cooks itself.

Ingredients for Quick Prep

Essentials:

• Beef Stew Meat: Pre-cut chunks save time.
• Vegetables: Baby carrots, cubed potatoes, and pearl onions require little to no chopping.
• Broth: Beef or vegetable stock forms the base.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth to the stew.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, bay leaves, garlic powder, and dried thyme for robust flavor.

10-Minute Prep Steps

1. Layer the Ingredients

• Add beef stew meat to the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Layer pre-washed baby carrots, cubed potatoes, and pearl onions on top.

2. Mix the Broth

• In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, garlic powder, and thyme. Pour over the beef and vegetables.

3. Set It and Forget It

• Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to low for 8 hours or high for 4–6 hours.

4. Optional Finishing Touch

• For a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in 30 minutes before serving.

Benefits of Slow Cooker Beef Stew

1. Hands-Free Cooking: Spend just 10 minutes prepping and let the slow cooker handle the rest.
2. Meal Prep-Friendly: Make a large batch to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
3. Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with minimal fuss.

Serving Suggestions

• Over Rice: Spoon the stew over a bed of steamed rice.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve alongside fresh bread for dipping.
• On Its Own: Enjoy as a hearty standalone meal.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Use chuck roast or stew meat for the best tenderness.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Leave room in the slow cooker for proper heat circulation.
• Prep in Advance: Assemble ingredients the night before and store in the fridge for an even quicker start.

The Ultimate Lazy Day Recipe

With this Slow Cooker Beef Stew, you can enjoy a rich and hearty meal with virtually no effort. Prep it in just 10 minutes, and come back to a house filled with the comforting aroma of slow-cooked goodness.

Ready to simplify dinner? Dust off your slow cooker and give this quick-prep recipe a try!