Busy Day Beef Stew
Hearty and comforting beef stew with tender chunks of chuck roast, vegetables, and savory broth, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless beef chuck roast (1 to 1-1/2 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 envelope onion soup mix ⓘ
- 2 tsp. browning sauce (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 6 c. water ⓘ
- 2 c. cubed peeled potatoes (1/2 inch pieces) ⓘ
- 6 to 8 medium carrots, cut into chunks ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen peas, thawed
- 1 c. frozen corn, thawed (optional) ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. cold water ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the beef chuck roast in a slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with onion soup mix, browning sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Pour water over the meat.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, sear the beef chuck roast in a hot skillet before placing it in the slow cooker. You can substitute the frozen peas and corn with fresh vegetables if desired, or add in some green beans for variety. To thicken the stew, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Busy Day Beef Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. For an extra touch, consider serving it alongside Jello Poke Cake (Good Light Summer Dessert!) for dessert to balance the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the beef stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen and heat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Day Beef Stew contains roughly 1019 calories, with 19g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (152% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2180mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stew?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. The key is to choose a cut that can withstand long cooking times and become tender, making a flavorful stew.
What can I do if the stew is too watery?
If your stew turns out too watery, mix a little more cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prepping, making it a great option for busy weeks.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).