Busy Day Beef Stew

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 10 hours

Makes

8-10 servings

Updated: Oct. 13, 2022
Here's a classic old-fashioned beef stew that simmers for hours in the slow cooker. I call it my "lazy" stew because it's so easy to make on busy days. Perfect for hearty appetites, it's guaranteed to keep folks coming back for more!

Ingredients

  • 1 boneless beef chuck roast (1 to 1-1/2 pounds)
  • 1 envelope onion soup mix
  • 2 teaspoons browning sauce, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 cups cubed peeled potatoes (1/2-inch pieces)
  • 6 to 8 medium carrots, cut into chunks
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed, optional
  • 5 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 6 tablespoons cold water

Directions

  1. Place roast in a 5-qt. slow cooker; sprinkle with soup mix, browning sauce if desired, salt and pepper. Pour water over meat. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until meat is tender.
  2. Remove roast to a cutting board; let stand for 5 minutes. Add vegetables to slow cooker. Cube beef and return to slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 1-1/2 hours or until vegetables are tender.
  3. Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into stew. Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes or until thickened.