Warm, hearty, and full of rich flavors, this Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. With tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, and a savory broth, this stew simmers to perfection while you go about your day. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a dish that’s bursting with deep, delicious taste. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, this stew is guaranteed to be a hit with your family.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to prepare the stew in the morning and come home to a delicious meal.
- Tender Beef: The beef becomes incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking, practically melting in your mouth.
- Rich & Flavorful: The combination of mushrooms, beef broth, garlic, and herbs creates a deep, comforting flavor profile that will make your taste buds sing.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew makes great leftovers and tastes even better the next day, so it’s ideal for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.
- Customizable: You can add or swap ingredients, like using different types of mushrooms, adding root vegetables like carrots or parsnips, or adjusting the seasoning to your liking.
What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck roast, cut into 1-2 inch cubes)
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (cremini, white button, or a mix of both)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional, can be substituted with additional broth)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening, optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef, optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew
Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional)
While browning the beef is optional, it adds a lot of flavor to the stew. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches, so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Add the mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until they release their moisture and start to brown. You can skip this step if you want a simpler version, but it adds depth to the stew’s flavor.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed onions, garlic, and mushrooms to the slow cooker with the beef. Add the diced potatoes, carrots, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for about 7-8 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours. The beef should be very tender, and the vegetables should be cooked through.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, combine 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the stew, cover, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the broth. If you prefer a thinner broth, you can skip this step.
Step 6: Final Taste and Serve
Once the stew is done, taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls, and enjoy it with a side of crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew
- Browning the Beef: Browning the beef adds a lot of rich, savory flavor to the stew. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort for enhanced taste.
- Choice of Mushrooms: You can use a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini, white button, or shiitake. A mix of different types adds extra depth to the flavor.
- Wine: Adding red wine deepens the flavor of the stew and makes it more robust, but you can substitute it with extra beef broth if you prefer not to use wine.
- Thickening the Stew: If you like your stew thicker, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water instead of flour, or use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes and vegetables to naturally thicken the broth.
- Freezing Leftovers: This stew freezes well! Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew
- With Crusty Bread: Serve this stew with a warm, crusty loaf of bread to soak up the rich broth.
- Over Mashed Potatoes: For an extra indulgent meal, serve the stew over creamy mashed potatoes. The potatoes will absorb the savory flavors and make each bite even more comforting.
- With a Side Salad: A light green salad or coleslaw makes the perfect side to balance the richness of the stew.
- Over Rice or Noodles: If you’re in the mood for something different, serve the stew over white rice, egg noodles, or even polenta for a satisfying meal.
Time
- Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes (if browning the beef)
- Cooking Time: 7-8 hours on low, or 4-5 hours on high
- Total Time: 7-8 hours (or 4-5 hours, depending on heat setting)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Based on 6 servings, without thickening)
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg (depending on broth and seasoning)
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and flavorful broth into one hearty dish. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stew is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, with the slow cooker doing most of the work while you enjoy the delightful aromas filling your kitchen. Get ready to indulge in a rich, savory meal that’s perfect for any season!