How To Make Onion Beef Stew In A Slow Cooker

Get ready for a no-fuss, flavor-packed meal with this Onion Beef Stew made in a slow cooker! With just two simple ingredients—beef and onions—this recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth tender meat and a rich, savory onion sauce. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish is the perfect combination of simplicity and comfort.

Why You’ll Love Onion Beef Stew

• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: With just beef, onions, salt, and pepper, this recipe proves that simplicity can be delicious. The onions break down during cooking to create a rich, savory sauce that complements the tender beef.
• Effortless preparation: No browning or pre-cooking needed! Just toss everything into the slow cooker, press start, and let it do all the work.
• Perfectly tender meat: Slow cooking ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while absorbing the flavor of the onions.
• Versatile and hearty: This stew pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the sauce.
• Ideal for busy days: The hands-off cooking process means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other tasks.

This onion beef stew recipe uses just 2 ingredients – beef and onions!  When the onions are cooked for a long time with the beef in a slow cooker, they turn into an onion sauce.  You get super-tender beef that melts in your mouth and a delicious onion sauce that you can dunk your bread into!

Ingredients For Onion Beef Stew

• Beef stew meat – Use pre-cut beef labeled “beef stew” for convenience and tender results.
• Onions – Chopped to create a flavorful, savory sauce as they cook down.
• Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and onions.
• Pepper – Adds a subtle kick to balance the dish.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

This onion beef stew is a true slow cooker recipe – all you need is a slow cooker and no other kind of cooking (such as frying pan or oven) is necessary.  Many slow cooker beef stew recipes ask you to brown meat in a frying pan before transferring it to slow cooker – well, not this one.  Making this onion beef stew is as easy as putting cut-up beef and chopped onions directly in a slow cooker and pressing the “Start” button.  There is no excuse on not making this onion beef stew – it’s the easiest and laziest main dish possible :)

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Onion Beef Stew

• Slow Cooker – The star equipment for this effortless recipe, ensuring tender beef and a rich sauce.
• Knife – Essential for chopping the onions.
• Cutting Board – Makes chopping the onions quick and easy while keeping your counters safe.
• Measuring Spoons – Ensures precise seasoning with salt and pepper.

How To Make Onion Beef Stew

• Start by chopping your onions and preparing the beef stew meat if not pre-cut.
• Add the beef and onions to your slow cooker.
• Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the top, ensuring even coverage.
• Use a spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients until well combined.
• Set the slow cooker to cook for 4 hours on “High” or 8 hours on “Low.”
• Once done, serve hot with your favorite side dishes, like mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the onion beef stew over a bed of Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes for a classic, comforting combination.
• Pair it with Simple Garlic Cheese Bread or Easy Bread Machine Soft Dinner Rolls to soak up the rich onion sauce.
• Add a side of vegetables, like Quick Steamed Green Beans or Steamed Carrots, for a complete and balanced meal.
• For a low-carb option, enjoy it alongside Simple Boiled Cauliflower or Oven Roasted Rainbow Vegetables.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and an added layer of flavor.

Tips For Success

• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh onions and high-quality beef stew meat for the best flavor. The simplicity of this recipe means the ingredients really shine.
• Uniform chopping: Chop the onions into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and transform into a luscious sauce.
• Layer properly: Toss the beef and onions well in the slow cooker to ensure even seasoning and cooking.
• Cook time matters: For the most tender beef, follow the recommended cook times. If you’re unsure, opt for the “Low” setting for 8 hours to maximize tenderness.
• Don’t peek: Resist the urge to open the lid while cooking. Slow cookers rely on consistent heat, and opening the lid lets out steam, prolonging the cooking time.
• Customize seasoning: If you like bolder flavors, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the salt and pepper.
• Plan for leftovers: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Make extra to enjoy throughout the week!

Variations And Substitutions

• Add vegetables: Enhance the stew by adding chopped carrots, celery, or potatoes to the slow cooker. These vegetables cook beautifully alongside the beef and onions, adding extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: For a kick of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. Adjust to your spice preference.
• Herb it up: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for a more aromatic dish. These pair wonderfully with beef.
• Use different onions: Swap yellow onions with sweet onions for a milder flavor or red onions for a slightly tangier twist.
• Broth base: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of beef broth or water at the start of cooking. This won’t affect the flavor but will yield more sauce.
• Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your seasonings to ensure there are no hidden additives.
• Dietary adjustments: For a leaner version, use grass-fed beef or substitute with turkey stew meat.
• Meal prep: Prepare and freeze the ingredients raw in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, thaw overnight and place directly into the slow cooker.

Storage And Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the stew to cool completely before refrigerating.
• Freezer: This stew freezes beautifully! Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
• Reheating on the stovetop: Transfer the stew to a saucepan and reheat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Reheating in the microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until fully warmed. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to prevent splatters.
• Reheating from frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat using one of the methods above. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop by adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

No, there’s no need to brown the beef for this recipe. The slow cooker does all the work, and the beef turns out tender and flavorful without any pre-cooking.

Can I add liquid to the stew?

No additional liquid is required. The onions release enough moisture during cooking to create a delicious sauce. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of beef broth or water.

What kind of beef works best for this recipe?

Pre-cut stew meat is ideal for this recipe as it’s convenient and cooks to tender perfection in the slow cooker. You can also use chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces.

Can I add other seasonings or spices?

Absolutely! While salt and pepper provide a simple and delicious base, feel free to add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for additional flavor.

What sides go well with onion beef stew?

This stew pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, crusty bread, or even buttered egg noodles. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can! The flavors develop even more as the stew sits, making it perfect for meal prep. Cook it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat when ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your seasonings have no hidden gluten-containing ingredients.

How do I prevent overcooking the beef?

Follow the recommended cooking times: 4 hours on “High” or 8 hours on “Low.” Using the “Low” setting ensures the meat stays tender without drying out.

What can I do with leftovers?

Leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for future meals. Try shredding the beef and using it in sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for baked potatoes.