How long does slow cooker beef stew take to cook?

Beef chuck requires 6–8 hours on low heat to become tender and allow flavors to develop fully. High heat reduces this to 3–4 hours but may yield less tender meat.

Can I make beef stew ahead of time?

Yes. Beef stew actually improves when made 1–2 days ahead; refrigerate in an airtight container and reheat gently on low heat or stovetop before serving.

What cut of beef works best for stew?

Beef chuck is ideal because its marbling and collagen break down during long cooking, becoming very tender. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which toughen.

Is the beer necessary in beef stew?

No. The porter or stout adds depth and subtle sweetness, but omitting it still yields a delicious stew; add an extra ½ cup beef broth instead.

How do I know when beef stew is done?

The beef should be very tender and easily pierced with a fork, and vegetables should be soft but not mushy. Pierce a potato piece to confirm doneness.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Name: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 large onion, diced; 4 medium carrots, sliced; 4-6 potatoes cut into 2-inch pieces; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup porter or stout beer (optional); 4 cups beef broth; 15-20 button mushrooms cut into halves; Fresh thyme; Salt; Pepper; Olive oil; 2-4 tbsp plain flour (optional)

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Slow Cooker Beef Stew | CookOS

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large onion, diced
4 medium carrots, sliced
4-6 potatoes cut into 2-inch pieces
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup porter or stout beer (optional)optional
4 cups beef broth
15-20 button mushrooms cut into halves
Fresh thyme
Salt
Pepper
Olive oil
2-4 tbsp plain flour (optional)optional

15 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Season the beef chuck with salt and pepper. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add some olive oil and once hot, cook the beef until lightly seared. Remove from the pan. (Note: This step is optional. If you're short on time you can simply add the beef to the pot or pans without searing.)
2
Chop the carrots, mushrooms, potatoes, and onions and crush the garlic.
3
For Suvie: Add the beef stock, beer (if using), garlic, thyme, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the Suvie protein pan (divide between two pans if necessary) season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. Add the beef, carrots, mushrooms, potatoes, and onions. Stir to combine.
4
Place the pan in the upper right cooking zone. Fill the reservoir with water and enter the Slow Cook settings into your Suvie. Set to cook now or schedule. Cook on LOW for 6 hours.
5
For Slow Cooker: Add the beef stock and beer (if using) to the pot along with the garlic, thyme, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. Add the beef, carrots, mushrooms, onions, and potatoes. Stir to combine.
6
Place the lid on the pot and cook: Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours
7
Remove pans from Suvie or turn off the slow cooker. Add a small amount of flour and stir into the stew. Keep adding flour until the stew has thickened.
8
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a chunk of crusty bread.