Slow Cooker Italian Beef Stew is a comforting dish filled with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce with Italian herbs. It’s the kind of stew that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting smells and promises a satisfying meal after a day of busy schedules.
I love making this stew in the slow cooker because it lets the flavors meld together slowly, making the beef incredibly soft and the sauce deeply flavorful. It’s such a simple recipe that almost anyone can prepare it, and it’s great for those days when you want something tasty without too much fuss in the kitchen.
My favorite way to serve this stew is over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside a crusty piece of bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or when friends come over and everyone wants something warm and filling. This stew always makes the table feel cozier and the day a bit brighter.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy. If you don’t have chuck, brisket or stew meat can also work well.
Tomatoes: Using both crushed and diced tomatoes gives the stew a nice texture and rich tomato flavor. You can substitute with fresh tomatoes if you prefer, just cook a bit longer for them to break down.
Herbs (oregano, basil, thyme): These classic Italian herbs bring great flavor. If you only have fresh herbs, add them near the end to keep their brightness.
Vegetables (carrots, celery, onion): These build the stew’s base and add sweetness. You can add potatoes or mushrooms for extra heartiness.
How Do You Get the Beef Tender and Flavored Perfectly?
Browning the beef before slow cooking is key. It locks in the juices and adds a deeper flavor to the stew. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat olive oil in a pan on medium-high.
- Season beef chunks with salt and pepper.
- Brown in batches without crowding the pan – about 3-4 mins each side.
- Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker, leaving the flavorful brown bits in the pan.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in the same pan to pick up those flavors before adding to the slow cooker.
This step really lifts the taste of the stew and helps make the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – it does the work for you, cooking the beef low and slow to tender perfection.
- Large skillet – great for browning beef and sautéing veggies to add more flavor before slow cooking.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – for chopping veggies and cutting the beef into chunks easily and safely.
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula – handy for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get your herbs, spices, and liquids just right every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef chuck with pork shoulder for a slightly sweeter, tender stew that’s just as comforting.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for more vegetables and extra depth of flavor.
- Mix in a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar toward the end of cooking for a richer, tangy finish.
- Try stirring in fresh spinach or kale just before serving for a boost of color and nutrients.
How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-2 inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: polenta or mashed potatoes for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes to prepare and brown the beef and veggies. Then you’ll let everything cook slowly for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker, making the beef wonderfully tender and flavorful. Perfect for a day when you want the slow cooker to do the work for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, to lock in flavor. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer these veggies to the slow cooker with the beef.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together gently.
4. Slow Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cook until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish. Serve your delicious stew over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up all that savory sauce.
Love this slow cooker version? Try the stovetop classic Dutch Oven Beef Stew, the warmly spiced African Beef Stew, crowd-pleasing Texas Cowboy Stew, and the family-friendly Beef and Vegetable Stew.
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Stew?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the beef in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Using frozen beef can increase cooking time and may result in uneven cooking.
Can I Skip Browning the Beef?
You can, but browning adds depth of flavor and helps lock in the juices. If short on time, it’s still fine to add the beef directly to the slow cooker.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if the stew has thickened too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers to make the stew even heartier. Just chop them into similar sizes and add at the beginning of cooking.