Crockpot Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix

I always come back to Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix when I want a comforting meal that practically cooks itself.

The beef becomes tender and flavorful as it slowly simmers with potatoes, carrots, onions, and a rich broth. The onion soup mix adds that classic savory depth that makes the stew taste like it simmered on the stove all day.

It reminds me of the kind of hearty stew grandma would set on the table after a long day, warm bowls ready for everyone.

What You Need to Know

• This stew has a thick, hearty broth filled with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots.
• It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
• The stew can be made a day ahead since the flavors deepen overnight.
• For a lighter version, trim excess fat from the beef before cooking.

A friendly grandma tip: stew always tastes even better the next day, so don’t worry about leftovers.

Ingredients Overview

• Beef stew meat: Cubed chuck roast is the most common choice, but you can also use bottom round or shoulder cuts for stew.
• All purpose flour: Standard flour works best here, but gluten free all purpose flour can be used if needed.
• Salt: Regular table salt or kosher salt both work well depending on your preference.
• Olive oil: Any mild cooking oil works for browning the beef, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, though salted butter works if you reduce added salt.
• Onions: Yellow onions are classic for stew, but white onions or sweet onions can also be used.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, though jarred minced garlic works as a quick shortcut.
• Red wine: A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well, or you can substitute additional beef broth.
• Potatoes: Yukon gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes all work well depending on texture preference.
• Carrots: Baby carrots are convenient, but peeled and chopped whole carrots work just as well.
• Dried parsley: Fresh parsley can be substituted if available.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor.
• Beef broth: Low sodium broth helps control salt levels.
• Dry onion soup mix: Lipton onion soup mix is commonly used, though store brands work equally well.
• Water and flour slurry: Used near the end of cooking to thicken the stew.
• Fresh thyme: Optional garnish that adds a fresh herb touch before serving.

How to Make Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix

Step 1

Place the beef stew meat, flour, and salt into a large plastic bag. Shake until the beef is evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and brown the beef on all sides, then transfer it to the slow cooker.

Step 2

Using the same skillet, melt the butter and cook the sliced onions until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute. Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker, then pour red wine into the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Add this liquid to the slow cooker as well.

Step 3

Add the cubed potatoes, carrots, dried parsley, black pepper, onion soup mix, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir gently so everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4

Cook on high for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for about 6 hours until the beef becomes very tender.

Step 5

Mix warm water with flour to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes until the broth thickens. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving if desired.

Grandma’s Tips

• Browning the beef before slow cooking gives the stew a deeper flavor and richer color.
• Cut potatoes into large chunks so they hold their shape during the long cooking time.

Modern Updates

• Replace the red wine with extra beef broth for an alcohol free version.
• Add mushrooms, celery, or peas during the last hour of cooking for extra vegetables.

More Comfort Food Recipes

• Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Soup
• Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup
• Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
• Old Fashioned Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
• Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup
• Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

FAQs

Can you make beef stew with onion soup mix in a slow cooker?

Yes. Onion soup mix works very well in slow cooker beef stew because it adds concentrated onion flavor and seasoning while the stew slowly cooks.

What cut of beef is best for beef stew?

Chuck roast or beef stew meat is best because it becomes tender and flavorful during long cooking times.

Can beef stew be made ahead of time?

Yes. Beef stew is a great make ahead meal. It often tastes even better the next day because the flavors continue to develop.

How do you thicken beef stew?

A simple slurry made with flour and water can be stirred into the stew near the end of cooking to create a thicker broth.