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Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This old fashioned slow cooker beef stew is rich, cozy, and full of tender beef, hearty potatoes, and a savory broth with a gentle caramel twist from root beer. It is an easy comfort food dinner that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1 inch chunks
  • 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 12 ounce can root beer, not diet
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Add beef to the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper. Layer in onion, carrots, and potatoes.
  2. Whisk together tomato paste, flour, root beer, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme, and smoked paprika.
  3. Pour over beef and vegetables and add bay leaves. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
  4. Stir together cornstarch and cold water and add to the stew. Cook on High for 15 to 20 minutes until thickened. Remove bay leaves and garnish with parsley.

Notes

  • Use regular root beer, not diet, for the best rich and caramelized flavors
  • Beef stew meat or chuck roast both become tender and flavorful when slow cooked.
  • Let the stew cook the full 15 to 20 minutes after adding the cornstarch for a thicker broth.
  • This stew tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Serve with crusty bread or warm biscuits for a classic, comforting meal.

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