Slow Cooker Tomato Beef Stew (My Go-To Comfort Meal)
When I don’t know what to make for dinner, this Slow Cooker Tomato Beef Stew is my default. It’s simple, hearty, and requires minimal prep — just layer everything into the slow cooker, pour over creamy tomato soup, and let time do the work. The result is fork-tender beef in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
📝 Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs beef stew meat (chuck, cut into cubes)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3–4 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ cup water or beef broth
(The magic pairing: tomato soup + dry onion soup mix — simple but powerful flavor!)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Layer the Ingredients
Place the raw stew meat into the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread it out evenly. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and potatoes over the top. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly across everything.
2️⃣ Add the Tomato Base
In a small bowl, stir together the condensed tomato soup with ½ cup water or beef broth to thin it slightly. Pour the mixture evenly over the meat and vegetables, making sure everything is lightly coated.
3️⃣ Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. The slow cooking process allows the tomato soup and onion mix to create a rich, savory gravy that thickens naturally as it cooks.
Avoid lifting the lid too often — each time you do, heat escapes and increases cooking time.
4️⃣ Final Touch
Once done, gently stir everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes of cooking to let it reduce slightly.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve this stew hot in deep bowls with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or over fluffy white rice. It’s also delicious spooned over mashed potatoes. Add a simple green salad on the side for a complete meal.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms for extra depth.
- Stir in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for richer flavor.
- For a slight sweetness, add a tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
This comforting slow cooker meal is warm, filling, and incredibly dependable — the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again when you need something easy and satisfying.