Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Stew

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This slow cooker creamy beef stew is filled with tender beef and potatoes in a thick, creamy broth. It's a simple, comforting dinner that doesn't need a long list of ingredients. Sear the beef, add everything to the slow cooker, and stir in a little heavy cream at the end.

a green bowl filled with slow cooker creamy beef stew

Why You'll Love This Recipe

My daughter loved this creamy beef stew, and if you have a picky eater at home, you know how much that means. She almost never eats what I make for dinner, so I was happy to find another meal she enjoys. Tender beef, potatoes, and a creamy broth are a pretty good place to start!

Two cooking options: Cook it on high for about 4 hours or low for about 8 hours, depending on your schedule.
Simple ingredients: You don't need a long grocery list or packets of seasoning.
Mostly hands-off: Once the beef is seared, the slow cooker does most of the work.
A filling dinner: With beef and potatoes in every bowl, you don't have to make a bunch of sides.

Ingredients You'll Need

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this creamy beef stew. The full amounts are in the recipe card below.

Chuck roast: Cut the beef into small chunks and trim off any large pieces of fat. Chuck roast gets tender as it cooks, which makes it a good choice for the slow cooker.
Avocado oil: For searing the beef. Olive oil works, too.
Russet potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks about the same size. They soften as they cook and help thicken the broth.
Onion and garlic: I use a small diced onion and minced garlic. Frozen diced onion and jarred minced garlic are convenient if you want to save a little prep time.
Beef bone broth: Use your favorite beef bone broth or regular beef broth. I like to use bone broth for higher protein.
Dijon mustard: This adds a little tang without making the stew taste strongly of mustard.
Heavy cream: Stir this in at the end of cooking to make the broth creamy.
Salt and pepper: Season the beef before searing, then taste the stew before serving and add more as needed.
Optional cornstarch slurry: For a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it in near the end of cooking.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Stew

Step 1

Sear the beef: Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned, then transfer it to the slow cooker.

My slow cooker has a cooktop function, so I can sear the beef right in the pot. If yours has that option, you can do the same.

potatoes beef and broth in a slow cooker

Step 2

Stir in the remaining ingredients: Add the onion, garlic, potatoes, beef bone broth, and Dijon mustard to the slow cooker with the beef. Stir everything together. Save the heavy cream and optional cornstarch slurry for the end.

cooked potatoes beef and broth in a slow cooker

Step 3

Slow cook: Cover and cook on high for about 4 hours or low for about 8 hours, until the beef and potatoes are tender. If the beef is still chewy, let it cook longer until it pulls apart easily with a fork.

Step 4

Finish it off: If you want a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth. Stir it into the stew, cover, and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, until thickened.

Stir in the heavy cream, then taste and add more salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve.

Tips for the Best Creamy Beef Stew

Pat the beef dry before searing. This helps it brown better. Cook it in batches so the pieces have a little space between them.
Use a little broth to loosen the browned bits. If you sear the beef in a skillet, pour in a splash of the measured broth and scrape the bottom. Add that liquid to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
Cut the potatoes into even chunks. Avoid cutting them too small, or they may fall apart before the beef is tender.
Check the beef before serving. It should pull apart easily with a fork. If it is still chewy, give it more time. Slow cookers can cook at different rates.
Mix the cornstarch with cold water first. Adding dry cornstarch straight to the hot stew can leave lumps.
Stir gently at the end. The potatoes will be soft, and stirring too much can break them apart.
Taste before adding more salt. Some beef broths are saltier than others, so check the stew after stirring in the cream.

Substitutions and Variations

Swap the broth: Regular beef broth works in place of beef bone broth. Use low-sodium broth if you want more control over the salt.
Add mushrooms: Thickly sliced mushrooms would be good in this stew. Add them to the slow cooker with the potatoes and onion.
Add herbs: Try a little dried thyme or a sprig of fresh rosemary. Remove any woody stems before serving.
Adjust the thickness: Use the cornstarch slurry for a thicker stew, or stir in a little extra broth if you prefer it thinner.

What to Serve with Creamy Beef Stew

With beef and potatoes in every bowl, this stew is filling enough to serve on its own. If you want something on the side, my crispy roasted broccoli or air fryer mushrooms would be an easy addition. My cucumber salad is also a good choice if you want something fresh and crisp with the creamy stew.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Divide the stew into shallow containers so it cools faster, and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring gently, until hot throughout. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring every minute until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth if the stew has gotten too thick.

You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months, but the potatoes may become softer and the creamy broth may separate. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently and stir well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this creamy beef stew gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your beef broth and Dijon mustard are gluten-free. Check the labels to be sure. The optional cornstarch slurry is also gluten-free.

Can I use stew meat instead of chuck roast?

Yes. Packaged stew meat can come from different cuts of beef, so the cooking time may vary. Cook until the pieces are tender and pull apart easily with a fork.

Are potatoes low carb?

Potatoes are higher in carbs than vegetables like broccoli or zucchini, but you can still enjoy them in a low-carb meal. The amount you use and the serving size matter. This recipe spreads 1½ pounds of potatoes across 6 servings, with about 24-25 grams of total carbs per serving of stew.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need