There’s something magical about a Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Mushrooms that warms the soul on a chilly evening. Picture this: a cozy kitchen filled with the rich aroma of tender beef simmering away, mingled with earthy mushrooms and fragrant herbs. creamy butternut squash risotto It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you want comfort food without breaking a sweat.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen beef for this stew?
- What can I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Mushrooms?
- How can I thicken my stew?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let’s be real. There’s nothing quite like coming home to find your dinner already cooked, bubbling away in the slow cooker. The anticipation builds as you uncover that delicious concoction, and trust me, each spoonful will transport you to comfort food heaven. So grab your spoon and get ready; this stew is destined to become your new favorite. For more inspiration, check out this chicken rissoles recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Mushrooms is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time
- The deep, rich flavors develop beautifully as it simmers
- Plus, it’s visually appealing with vibrant vegetables and tender beef pieces
- Versatile enough for family dinners or cozy gatherings, it never fails to impress!
I’ll never forget the first time I made this stew for my family. My husband took one bite and declared it “life-changing,” while my kids fought over the last spoonfuls—definitely a win in my book!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for stewing due to its marbling; it becomes tender and flavorful after long cooking.
- Mushrooms: Use fresh button or cremini mushrooms for an earthy taste; they soak up all the delicious juices. delicious morel mushroom pasta.
- Carrots: Sweet, crunchy carrots add color and texture; slice them thick so they don’t mush during cooking.
- Onions: Yellow onions are best; they sweeten beautifully as they cook down.
- Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels; this adds depth without overwhelming flavors.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide that aromatic punch; crush them for maximum flavor release.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme adds herbal notes; it’s a classic pairing with beef that’s simply irresistible. classic green bean casserole.
- Bay Leaves: These leaves infuse the stew with subtle flavor; just remember to remove them before serving!
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances the overall richness of the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors; adjust according to your taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your vegetables into even pieces—this ensures everything cooks uniformly. Dice onions, slice carrots thickly, and quarter those mushrooms.
Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned—about 4-5 minutes per side—to lock in juices.
Add Aromatics: Toss in minced garlic and diced onions into the skillet after removing beef. Sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant—smell that? That’s pure happiness!
Combine Everything: Transfer seared beef into your slow cooker along with mushrooms, carrots, thyme, bay leaves, and sautéed onions. Pour beef broth over everything—don’t be shy!
Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Go on about your day while that magic happens! Your house will smell divine.
Serve & Enjoy: Once done cooking, remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle into bowls with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent touch!
Now that you’ve made this delightful Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Mushrooms, sit back and relish every mouthwatering bite while basking in glorious memories of cozy family dinners! pistachio crusted salmon.
You Must Know
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Mushrooms is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day
- The rich aroma fills your home, enticing everyone to the table
- This stew is simple yet satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the beef for deeper flavor, then layer your veggies and herbs before adding broth. This sequence enhances taste and texture while ensuring even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like carrots or parsnips, and experiment with spices to match your taste. Personalizing this dish makes it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave, adding a splash of broth for moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a richer stew, use bone-in cuts of beef; they add depth
- Always sear your meat first to lock in flavors
- Don’t skip resting time; it helps juices redistribute for moist bites
Sharing a cozy dinner with friends, my slow cooker filled the room with aromas that made everyone feel at home, reminding me why I love cooking.
FAQ
Can I use frozen beef for this stew?
Yes, but thaw it fully before cooking for best results and even cooking.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Mushrooms?
For more inspiration, check out this beef and cheese chimichangas recipe.
Pair it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious gravy.
How can I thicken my stew?
Mix cornstarch with water and stir in towards the end of cooking for a thicker consistency.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Mushrooms
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. This hearty dish features tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant veggies simmered to perfection in a rich broth. With minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking process, this stew allows you to enjoy the cozy aromas filling your kitchen while you go about your day. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, each spoonful promises warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 8 oz fresh button or cremini mushrooms, quartered
- 3 large carrots, sliced thickly
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop vegetables into even pieces: dice onions, slice carrots thickly, and quarter mushrooms.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season beef with salt and pepper; sear until browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).
- Add garlic and onions to the skillet after removing the beef; sauté until onions are translucent.
- Transfer everything to a slow cooker: add seared beef, mushrooms, carrots, thyme, bay leaves, and pour in beef broth.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove bay leaves before serving and enjoy with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg