There’s something magical about the aroma of a hearty stew simmering away all day. This Slow Cooker Sunday Stew brings tender beef and vibrant root vegetables together in a rich, savory broth that’s pure comfort in every bite.
Perfect for busy days or lazy weekends, this set-it-and-forget-it meal will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Serve it up with some crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate cozy dining experience.
Full Recipe:
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
4 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
4 parsnips, peeled and cut into large chunks
3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
1 turnip, peeled and cut into large chunks
2 onions, quartered
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the beef pieces generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown the beef on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer to a slow cooker.
Add tomato paste to the skillet and stir for 1 minute. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
Pour the broth mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
Add the carrots, parsnips, potatoes, turnip, onions, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender.
Stir the cornstarch and water mixture into the stew. Cook uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Introduction to Slow Cooker Sunday Stew
When it comes to ultimate comfort food, few dishes rival the heartwarming charm of a good old-fashioned stew. Slow Cooker Sunday Stew, popularized by Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman), is the epitome of home-cooked satisfaction. It’s a one-pot meal that combines tender beef chunks, hearty root vegetables, and a savory broth into a symphony of flavors and textures that nourish both the body and soul. This dish is especially ideal for lazy weekends, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd without much fuss. It’s a simple, rustic meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Slow cookers (or crockpots) shine particularly well with recipes like this. They allow the ingredients to meld together slowly over time, intensifying flavors and creating an irresistibly tender beef stew that just melts in your mouth. While it’s traditionally considered a winter comfort food, Slow Cooker Sunday Stew has a timeless appeal that makes it just as welcoming on a cool autumn evening or a rainy spring day.
The Charm of a Slow Cooker Stew
There’s a reason why slow cookers remain a staple in so many kitchens, even in today’s fast-paced world. The low-and-slow cooking method transforms even tougher cuts of beef into succulent, flavorful bites without requiring constant attention. In the case of Sunday Stew, this method works magic on the beef, allowing the meat to absorb the richness of the broth and aromatics as it tenderizes over several hours.
Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and turnips soak up all the goodness of the broth while maintaining their shape and texture. They offer a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the hearty, savory beef. Fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme add an earthy fragrance that ties everything together, creating a dish that smells as incredible as it tastes.
Why Sunday Is Perfect for This Stew
Sunday has long been associated with hearty family meals, and a slow cooker stew fits that tradition beautifully. Preparing Sunday Stew means you can enjoy your day with minimal kitchen time—just a little prep in the morning, and by dinner, your house is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of a meal that tastes like you spent hours hovering over the stove.
For families, it’s a practical choice. Kids love the tender chunks of meat and the buttery-soft vegetables, while adults appreciate the rich layers of flavor. Plus, because the stew makes generous portions, leftovers can be enjoyed for lunch or repurposed throughout the week.
Nutritional and Practical Benefits
Slow Cooker Sunday Stew is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. Beef provides a substantial amount of protein, iron, and B vitamins, supporting muscle health and energy levels. The mix of root vegetables adds fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants, promoting heart health and immunity.
Another benefit is how customizable it is. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit dietary needs or ingredient availability. Want to go lighter? Use leaner cuts of beef. Need to make it gluten-free? Ensure the broth and Worcestershire sauce you use are certified gluten-free. You can even swap out vegetables depending on the season, introducing squash in fall or sweet potatoes in winter for a different twist.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Sunday Stew
Sear the beef: Don’t skip this step. Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker locks in juices and builds a deeper flavor base.
Layer flavors: Deglazing the skillet with broth after searing ensures that none of the delicious browned bits (fond) are wasted.
Cut vegetables evenly: This ensures everything cooks uniformly. Large chunks work best to prevent the vegetables from disintegrating over the long cook time.
Use fresh herbs when possible: Fresh rosemary and thyme really elevate the stew. However, dried herbs can be substituted if needed—just remember to use them sparingly, as they’re more concentrated.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Slow cooking can sometimes mute flavors, so taste your stew before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or acid (like a splash of vinegar) if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Sunday Stew is a hearty standalone meal, but if you want to round out your dinner table, there are plenty of great companions:
Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
Mashed Potatoes: Serve the stew ladled over creamy mashed potatoes for an ultra-comforting meal.
Rice or Egg Noodles: If you want to stretch the meal even further, serve it over rice or buttered egg noodles.
Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory stew.
Wine Pairing: A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the beefy richness beautifully.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips
This stew is perfect for making ahead. In fact, many people find that it tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had even more time to meld together.
Storage: Allow the stew to cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Stew freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can have fun experimenting:
Add Red Wine: Swap out some of the beef broth for a cup of dry red wine for even deeper flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Different Proteins: Substitute pork shoulder or lamb for a different take on this classic stew.
Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms and extra vegetables, and use vegetable broth for a meatless version.
Global Twists: Incorporate flavors from around the world—think smoked paprika for a Spanish flair or curry powder for an Indian-inspired twist.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Sunday Stew is a timeless, beloved recipe that brings people together around the dinner table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a cozy Sunday or prepping meals for a busy week ahead, this stew promises warmth, nourishment, and satisfaction in every bite.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and the way it encourages a return to slow, intentional cooking—letting flavors deepen and develop naturally over time. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, whenever you need a comforting, soul-satisfying meal.