Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew

Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew is a rich, hearty dish made by simmering tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic seasonings in a slow cooker for deep, developed flavors. This comforting meal is perfect for cold nights, easy to prepare, and ideal for meal prep. Serve it with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or rice for a satisfying, flavorful dinner.

If you’re craving a meal that’s comforting and easy to prepare, Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew is your go-to dish. This hearty recipe combines tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic seasonings to create a rich, flavorful broth that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew is perfect for any occasion. It’s the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal—keep reading, because we’ve got some secret tips and delicious pairings that will take this stew to the next level!

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Beef and Mushroom Stew

Rich, Deep Flavors from Slow Cooking: The longer Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew simmers, the better it gets! The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up all the rich, aromatic seasonings. Meanwhile, the mushrooms bring an earthy, umami-packed kick that adds depth and complexity to every bite.

Easy, Hands-Off Preparation: No fancy techniques or constant stirring are required! Place all the ingredients in the slow cooker, set the timer, and let it do the work for you. While it works its magic, you can relax, run errands, or finally catch up on that show you’ve been meaning to watch.

Budget-Friendly & Perfect for Leftovers: Big flavors don’t have to come with a big price tag. Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew transforms a handful of simple, affordable ingredients into a hearty, restaurant-worthy meal. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, making leftovers something to get excited about!

How to Make Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew

Ingredients

Chuck roast: While pre-cut stew meat is convenient, a boneless beef chuck roast is highly recommended for Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew. It has the perfect balance of marbling and lean meat, making it ideal for slow cooking. Cutting it yourself also ensures better quality and consistency.
Flour (optional): Lightly dusting the beef in flour before searing helps develop a richer texture and deepens the flavor. You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.
Olive oil: Used for searing the beef and locking in flavor. Feel free to use your preferred cooking oil.
Onion: Yellow or sweet onions add the best flavor for a stew base.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best, but garlic powder (¾ to 1 teaspoon) works in a pinch.
Tomato paste: Thickens the broth and enhances the depth of flavor.
Carrots: Thick-cut carrots hold up best; avoid baby carrots as they tend to become mushy.
Mushrooms: White or button mushrooms are a great choice, holding their texture even after long cooking. You can also experiment with cremini or shiitake for added depth.
Potatoes: Yukon gold or baby Yukon potatoes work best. They hold their shape well and don’t require peeling. Red potatoes are another good alternative.
Beef broth: Opt for low or no sodium broth to control the saltiness of the stew. Beef stock works well too for enhancing the richness of the Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew.
Balsamic vinegar: A small splash enhances the broth with a touch of acidity and sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep, savory umami flavor. No Worcestershire? Swap it for soy sauce it won’t be identical, but it’ll still taste great!
Thyme & Oregano: Dried thyme and oregano add warmth and balance.
Fresh thyme: can be used for extra brightness.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat and broth.
Cornstarch: A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) creates a thick, velvety broth. Some prefer flour, but cornstarch is the go-to thickener for a smooth, gravy-like consistency.
Butter: (optional but recommended) – Stir in a little butter right before serving for a luxuriously rich finish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Beef

• If your beef isn’t pre-cut, take a boneless chuck roast and trim off any excess fat. Cut it into 1½ to 2-inch cubes—this size is perfect for slow cooking, keeping the meat juicy and tender.
• Place the beef cubes into a large ziplock bag (or a mixing bowl) and season with salt and pepper.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of flour to the bag, seal it, and shake well to coat the beef evenly. This step helps create a beautiful sear and adds thickness to the broth later.

Prep the Vegetables

• Chop the carrots into thick slices—this keeps them from turning too mushy.
• Quarter or cut the potatoes into chunks, depending on their size. If using baby potatoes, leave them whole for a more rustic feel.
• Place the carrots and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker—they take the longest to cook, so this positioning ensures they become perfectly tender.

Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and wait until it glistens (hot enough to sear).
• Working in batches, sear the beef cubes for about 2 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. Avoid overcrowding the pan this ensures a good sear instead of steaming the meat.
• Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker, placing it over the carrots and potatoes.

Sauté the Aromatics

• Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add a little more oil if needed.
• Sauté the onions and mushrooms for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned.
• This quick step enhances the stew’s depth of flavor don’t skip it!
• Transfer the onions and mushrooms to the slow cooker.

Build the Flavorful Broth

Add the following directly into the slow cooker:

• Tomato paste: Deepens the umami richness of the stew.
• Beef broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
• Balsamic vinegar: A splash adds a touch of acidity and sweetness.
• Worcestershire sauce: Provides a savory umami boost.
• Oregano & Thyme: Essential herbs for a well-balanced flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Adjust to taste.
• Gently stir everything together to ensure the flavors start to meld.

Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

• Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
• The beef should be fall-apart tender and the vegetables should be perfectly soft.

Thicken the Broth for a Richer Stew

• About 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl.
• Slowly pour the mixture into the stew, stirring to incorporate.
• Let it continue cooking for the final 30 minutes—it will thicken as it simmers.

Serve & Enjoy!

• Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
• Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles for a truly satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooking

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef for Tenderness

For the most tender and flavorful stew, opt for chuck roast, which has the right amount of marbling to stay juicy during slow cooking. Avoid leaner cuts like sirloin, as they may end up dry and tough.

How to Prevent a Watery Stew

To prevent a watery stew, use a modest amount of broth, as the ingredients will release their liquid. Make sure not to overfill your slow cooker, allowing the liquid to naturally reduce as it cooks.

Thickening Options for a Rich Consistency

For a thicker stew, add a bit of cornstarch or flour mixed with water near the end of cooking. You can also stir in a bit of butter to create a rich, velvety texture.

Store and Reheat Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew

For the best freshness, store your leftover Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat without sacrificing flavor or texture, gently warm the Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use a microwave in short intervals. If you’re freezing leftovers, portion them into freezer-safe containers and let them cool before freezing—when thawing, allow them to defrost in the fridge overnight for the best results.

What To Serve with Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew

For a unique twist, serve your Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew with a roasted pear salad or mandarin spinach salad to add a refreshing contrast. Instead of traditional sides, try rice for a lighter texture that balances the stew’s richness. Finish your meal with a sweet treat like caramel apple cheesecake to complement the stew’s deep flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cooking stew longer make it more tender?

Yes, slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew becomes more tender the longer it cooks. Slow cooking allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in a juicy and fork-tender texture. Patience truly pays off when making a rich and flavorful stew like this one!

Is browning beef important for slow-cooked stew?

Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor profile of your slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew. The Maillard reaction creates a deep, savory crust that adds richness to the stew. While not strictly necessary, it’s a step that elevates your slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew significantly!

Should you cook stew on low or high heat?

Cooking Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew on low heat for an extended period ensures the meat becomes tender and absorbs the flavors fully. High heat can make the stew cook too quickly and result in tougher beef.

How can you thicken stew in a slow cooker?

To thicken your Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew, add a mixture of cornstarch and water, or use tomato paste for added richness. Both options will help create a hearty and satisfying broth. Just be sure to add them near the end of cooking and let them simmer to achieve the perfect consistency.

Slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew is the perfect comfort food that combines rich flavors, tender meat, and a hearty texture. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night or serving it to guests, the deep, umami-packed broth and melt-in-your-mouth beef will leave everyone satisfied. So, don’t hesitate—prepare this delicious slow-cooked beef and mushroom stew and savor every bite!