Here’s a true dump-and-go, budget-friendly stew that tastes like you cooked all day — with just five main ingredients.
🥩 Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Beef Stew
(Easy, Hearty Family Dinner)
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
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2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck, cubed)
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1 lb baby potatoes, halved
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3–4 carrots, sliced
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1 onion, chopped
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3 cups beef broth
Optional but recommended (doesn’t count toward 5):
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, bay leaf
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Load the Slow Cooker
Add beef, potatoes, carrots, and onion to the slow cooker.
2️⃣ Add Broth
Pour beef broth over everything.
(Ingredients should be mostly covered.)
3️⃣ Season
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Optional: ½ tsp thyme or 1 bay leaf for extra flavor.
4️⃣ Cook
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Low: 7–8 hours
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High: 4–5 hours
Beef should be fork-tender and vegetables soft.
🥄 To Thicken (Optional)
If you prefer thicker stew:
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Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water
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Stir into stew during last 20–30 minutes
Or mash a few potatoes directly in the pot for natural thickening.
🌟 Why This Recipe Works
✔ Minimal prep
✔ No browning required
✔ Family-friendly flavors
✔ Budget-friendly ingredients
✔ Perfect for busy weeknights
💡 Easy Add-Ins (If You Want More Flavor)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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A splash of red wine
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Frozen peas (add in last 20 minutes)
🍞 Serve With
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Crusty bread
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Buttered biscuits
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Over rice or mashed potatoes
If you’d like, I can also give you:
• A richer “restaurant-style” 5-ingredient version
• A low-carb/keto version
• Or a freezer-meal prep version