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Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew in a bowl with vegetables.

Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew

This hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew is the ultimate comfort food, tender beef combined with earthy mushrooms in a rich, savory gravy that makes your home smell like you’ve been cooking all day.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Beef chuck roast, cut into chunks Best cut for slow cooking for tenderness.
  • 8 oz Mushrooms, sliced or quartered Cremini are preferred, but white mushrooms work.
  • 1 large Onion, chopped Builds the base flavor.
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced Builds the base flavor.
  • 3 medium Carrots, chopped Classic stew ingredient.
  • 4 medium Potatoes, cubed Yukon gold or red recommended.
  • 4 cups Beef broth Use a good quality broth.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste Deepens the broth flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Adds savory flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Flour or cornstarch (optional) For thickening the stew at the end.
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Dried thyme
  • 1 leaf Bay leaf

Method
 

Preparation
  1. If desired, brown the beef in a skillet for deeper flavor and color.
  2. Layer the onions, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Add the beef and mushrooms on top of the vegetable layer.
  4. In a separate bowl, stir together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and the bay leaf.
  5. Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables.
  6. Cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
Thickening and Serving
  1. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in for the last 20 to 30 minutes.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
  3. Let the stew sit with the lid off for about 10 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

Notes

This stew reheats well and flavors continue to develop over time. It's great for meal prep and leftovers. Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.