Super Simple Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Here's a super simple slow cooker beef stew recipe that takes just 10 minutes to prep.

You can even use frozen veggies to cut down on the cutting!

Check it out.


 I am no gourmet.

I believe I have made that clear before.

It's just not my thing.

I am, admittedly, awed by the gorgeous food photos that pop up in my daily stream and I would love to tell you that I pin them or that I copy the recipes. But I don't.

I know that I'll never make them.

I don't really have the skills or the desire to prepare an extravagant meal.

I also don't have the stomach for it.

I like bland. It's boring, I know, but that's just the way it is.

Consequently, I have become a master at whipping up dishes that are basic, easy on my palate and quick to prepare.

This beef stew recipe is one of my all time favorites.

I make it in the crock pot, so the prep is done in a matter of minutes and it is not spicy or fussy, so I can eat it without regret.

It's not as spicy as my husband's slow cooker pulled pork or his lemongrass coconut curry chicken salad. 

Opposites attract I guess!

My recipe is also filled with veggies, so I feel good about giving it to the kids and, best of all, they love it, so they will actually eat it.

It's nothing new, that's for sure.

Beef stew recipes abound in blogland, but I made it today while we were snowed in, yet again, and I thought it might serve as a nice reminder that dinner doesn't have to be difficult to be delicious!

Exquisitely Unremarkable Beef Stew Recipe

The process is very simple.

I turn the crock pot on high while I chop the meat and toss it in to brown a bit as I continue to chop.

When all the meat is cut up and in the pot, I coat it with salt, pepper and flour.

I let it sit for a few more minutes while I peel and chop the potatoes.

Honestly, that is the worst part of the prep for me.

When the potatoes are chopped I toss them in the pot, add the water, the frozen carrots (yes, I am that lazy), the onion powder and the bouillon cubes.


I cover the pot and let it cook for 4-6 hours on high.

I know that the whole point of the crock pot is to set it and forget it, but too many people I know have lost a house to fire, so I am paranoid and do not leave it on when I am not home.

I know it kind of defeats the purpose, but that's just me.

No Slow Cooker?

Now, if you need to make this meal in a jiffy, or you don't have a crock pot, it can be done.
I use all the same measurements and throw everything in a pot and cook it up on the stove.

Of course, it tastes much better when it all gets to simmer for hours together, but some nights good enough has to do.

Just remember to keep replenishing the water as it evaporates out and that you may have to add another half of the bouillon cube, as well.

That's it.


That's my completely unoriginal, totally overshared, utterly un-pinnable, boring and bland, yet absolutely yummy, super simple beef stew recipe.

I hope you enjoy!

Do you have a basic favorite?