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Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix

iamwinfred
This hearty slow cooker beef stew features tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and the savory depth of onion soup mix for an incredibly flavorful one-pot meal. The low and slow cooking process transforms tough beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection while creating a rich, comforting gravy that's perfect for cold weather dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Large cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast 1.1 kg, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1 packet onion soup mix 1 oz or 28g packet
  • 4 cups beef broth 960 ml, low sodium preferred
  • 1 lb baby potatoes 450g, halved or quartered if large
  • 4 medium carrots about 300g, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 stalks celery about 150g, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion about 250g, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste 30g
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water, for thickening

For Serving

  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • crusty bread optional, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Add the beef cubes to the slow cooker and sprinkle with the onion soup mix, tossing to coat evenly.
  • Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Pour over the beef and vegetables.
  • Add the bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  • If desired, whisk cornstarch with cold water, stir into the stew, and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Remove bay leaves before serving.
  • Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread if desired.

Notes

  • For best results, use well-marbled beef chuck roast which becomes incredibly tender during the long cooking time.
  • You can sear the beef in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker for deeper flavor, though this is optional.
  • If the stew is too thick, add additional beef broth. If too thin, use the cornstarch slurry to thicken.
  • Substitute the onion soup mix with homemade seasoning: 2 tablespoons dried minced onion, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon sugar.
  • Add frozen peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • This stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • For a thicker stew from the start, toss the beef cubes in 2 tablespoons of flour before adding to the slow cooker.
  • Add a splash of red wine (about 1/2 cup) for extra depth of flavor, reducing the beef broth by the same amount.
  • Mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips make excellent additions to this versatile stew recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1BowlCalories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 32gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 980mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 20mg
Keyword comfort food, easy beef stew, one pot meal, onion soup mix recipe, slow cooker beef stew
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