If there’s one recipe that wraps you up in a blanket of warmth after a long day, it’s this Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew. Rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor, this dish practically cooks itself while you’re off conquering your day. And let’s be honest—there’s something deeply satisfying about coming home to the smell of tender beef simmering with earthy mushrooms and herbs. It’s the kind of meal that makes the chaos of the day melt away (and earns you serious dinner hero points with the family).
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew
This isn’t just any stew—it’s a comfort-in-a-bowl experience. Here’s why it’ll become a favorite in your weekly rotation:
- Effortless prep: A little searing, a little stirring, and your slow cooker takes it from there.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Rich flavor payoff: The slow cooking process lets the beef soak up all that savory mushroom and herb goodness.
- Perfect for leftovers: Like all the best stews, it tastes even better the next day.
Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just life, this stew gives you a homemade meal that feels fancy without any of the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How To Make Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew
1. Sear the Beef
Season your beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides—about 5 minutes. This little extra step locks in the flavor (and trust me, it’s worth it). Transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add them to the slow cooker. The smell alone will make you hungry!
3. Add Mushrooms and Seasonings
Toss in the mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Give everything a good stir so those flavors mingle right from the start.
4. Thicken the Stew
Whisk the flour with a bit of water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker. This helps create that luxuriously thick, cozy stew texture we all love.
5. Let It Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce is beautifully thickened.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it up with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a thick slice of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Mounia’s Kitchen Tip
If your stew looks a little too thick, don’t panic—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen! Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. On the flip side, if it’s thinner than you’d like, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it reduce.
Pro tip: If you have picky eaters at home, chop your mushrooms smaller—they’ll blend right into the sauce, and nobody will complain.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew became a household favorite during one of those weeks when everything seemed to pile up—work deadlines, errands, and not enough hours in the day. I tossed everything into the slow cooker one morning, and by dinnertime, the house smelled like a cozy Sunday afternoon. My husband said, “It smells like love in here,” and honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Chuck roast works beautifully because it gets melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes! This stew tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with it?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles make the perfect pairing. Don’t forget a piece of bread to soak up the gravy!
Can I skip searing the beef?
You can, but you’ll miss out on that deep, rich flavor that comes from caramelizing the meat. If you have 5 extra minutes, sear it—you’ll thank yourself later.
Bringing It All Together
This Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew is everything a busy home cook dreams of—easy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t just fill your belly but fills your home with warmth. So grab your slow cooker, toss in those ingredients, and let the magic happen. Dinner’s about to taste like a hug in a bowl.
Explore More Cozy Slow Cooker Favorites
If this Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew hit the spot, you’ll love diving into more hearty comfort meals from my kitchen! Here are some perfect next recipes to bookmark:
- Warm up your evenings with this rich and flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon — a French classic that feels fancy but cooks itself.
- Craving something creamy and cozy? Try the Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings for a Southern-inspired bowl of comfort.
- For a fun twist on weeknight meals, check out the savory One Pot Marry Me Beef — it’s just as irresistible as its name suggests.
- And if you’re in the mood for another slow-cooked masterpiece, don’t miss the Super Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs — they’ll melt in your mouth and make any dinner feel special.
Each of these recipes pairs beautifully with a cozy evening, your favorite playlist, and maybe a glass of red wine—because you’ve earned it!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew is the ultimate comfort meal — rich, hearty, and perfectly tender. Juicy beef chunks and earthy mushrooms simmer slowly in a savory gravy infused with garlic, onion, and herbs. It’s cozy, simple, and tastes like it’s been cooking all day… because it has! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
3 cups beef broth
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Sear the Beef: Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear beef until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). Transfer to the slow cooker.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Add to the slow cooker.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Mix well.
Thicken the Stew: Whisk flour with a bit of water to make a slurry, then stir into the slow cooker.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
Tip: For even more flavor, deglaze your skillet with a splash of red wine before adding ingredients to the slow cooker.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Make it Gluten-Free: Replace flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or rustic bread for the perfect comfort dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (LOW)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg