Comforting Beef Stew with
Dehydrated Carrots, Potatoes, and Onion

Wondering how to make a comforting beef stew using dehydrated vegetables? This slow cooker recipe is a hearty, hands-off meal that blends tender stewing beef with dehydrated carrots, potatoes, peas, onions, and garlic.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you make beef stew?
To make beef stew, combine freshly cut stewing beef with dehydrated carrots, potatoes, onions, and broth, then slow-cook until tender. No need to pre-soak the dried veggies—just set it and forget it. A fresh veggie swap is also included if you prefer to use what's on hand.

No need to pre-soak—just toss it all in and let the magic happen while you go about your day.

Susan stirring a pot of beef stew on the stovetop in a white kitchen, made with rehydrated dried carrots, peas, celery, and beef chunks
Top of Recipe

Beef Stew Recipe

Ingredients

   salt* and pepper to taste

I make this beef stew in a slow cooker—how easy is that?

NOTE: If you wish to use ALL fresh ingredients, see the items to use a little further down the page too.

Instructions

  1. Add all dehydrated ingredients and seasonings to the slow cooker.
  2.  In a large jug, mix beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and tomato paste. Stir until blended.
  3. In a separate cup, whisk cold water and flour until smooth. Add this to the stock mixture and stir well.
  4. Pour the stock mixture into the slow cooker.
  5. Add the beef (sear it first if desired for extra flavor). Stir gently.
  6. Cover and cook on the low setting for 4-6 hours.

*IF you need to add salt, do so, BUT be careful NOT to over-salt as the bouillon has salt in it.

Beef stew in a square bowl with a dark interior

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Calories: 272kcals
  • Fat: 11.7g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 17.3g
Bottom of Recipe

Want to Use Fresh Ingredients Instead of Dehydrated?

Prefer to use fresh veggies? See the ingredient swap right below!

Fresh ingredients for beef strew

Swap the dehydrated veggies for fresh ingredients:

  • 2 medium carrots (washed, peeled, sliced)
  • 2 medium potatoes (washed, peeled, sliced)
  • ½ large onion (peeled, diced)
  • 1 celery stalk (sliced)
  • 2 slices of fresh elephant garlic (or 1 ½ cloves of regular garlic)

What Ingredients Go Into a Classic Beef Stew?

A traditional beef stew includes beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s typically thickened with flour or cornstarch and served with crusty bread or warm biscuits.

What Makes Beef Stew the Ultimate Comfort Food

Enjoy a hearty bowl of beef stew cooked to perfection in your slow cooker (aka crock-pot). Let the aroma fill your home while you’re away, and return to a meal that’s ready to eat!

This recipe uses dehydrated onions, carrots, potatoes, celery, peas, and garlic, along with fresh beef. You don’t need to rehydrate the veggies before slow cooking—just set it and forget it. However, if you’ll be gone for a long time, consider adding extra stock to prevent drying out.

Pro Tip: If you come home to excess stock, don’t worry! Here’s how to thicken it for an even richer gravy:

  1. Drain the extra stock into a saucepan.
  2. In a separate cup, mix 2 ounces of water with 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch.
  3. Stir until smooth, then add it to the stock.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for a few minutes so the flour "cooks out" properly.
  5. Pour the thickened gravy back into your stew and stir, or serve it on the side for biscuit-dipping!

Why Browning Your Beef First Adds Bold Flavor

If you have extra time, brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Searing locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust on the meat, preventing it from turning too soft.

According to J. Kenji López-Alt, a 2023 James Beard Award-winner and author of The Food Lab and The Wok, cutting beef into larger chunks before searing makes it easier to brown evenly. Once browned, cut it into smaller cubes for the perfect stew texture. Great tip, Kenji!

What Are the Best Cuts of Beef for Stew?

For a rich, hearty stew, use tougher, budget-friendly cuts like:

  • Chuck roast
  • Round steak

These cuts contain collagen, which breaks down into gelatin during cooking, making the meat tender and the broth thick and flavorful.

What to Expect When You Get Home to This Stew

Beef Stew, dry veggie ingredients in a slow cooker

This is what your beef stew will look like with the dehydrated veggies, above.

Beef Stew with dry ingredients, raw beef, and stock in a slow cooker.

With the meat and stock added...

Fantastic Beef Stew made from dried ingredients, in a slow cooker

What to expect:

  • Stock will have reduced, creating a thick, savory gravy.
  • A rich aroma greets you at the door!
  • A hearty, wholesome meal will be waiting in your slow cooker!

Slow cookers are perfect for simmering stews all day. If you’re looking for one, check out these options:

Recommended Slow Cookers for Easy Meal Prep

Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker

Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry

  • Programmable Slow Cooker with Digital Timer
  • Digital countdown control from 30 minutes to 20 hours
  • Easy-to-use locking lid
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker

Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Set & Forget Slow Cooker

  • Hamilton Beach Portable Slow Cooker
  • Patented Temperature Probe
  • Clip-tight gasket lid prevents messy spills when transporting
Hamilton Beach Portable Slow Cooker

Hamilton Beach 5-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

  • Hamilton Beach Portable 5-Quart Digital Programmable
  • Full-grip handles make carrying heavy meals easier
  • 2 choices for easy, automatic cooking
Cuisinart PSC-350 Slow Cooker

Cuisinart PSC-350 3-1/2 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

  • Cuisinart 3-1/2 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, Silver
  • Touchpad control, 24-hour LCD countdown timer
  • 4 Cooking Modes

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Try This Irish Stew Twist on Classic Beef Stew

Irish Stew in a pan

Irish stew is a variation of beef stew that is popular in - yes, you guessed it - Ireland. It typically features lamb or mutton, potatoes, carrots, onions, and fresh herbs.

Some recipes add Guinness Stout, giving it a deep, malty flavor. Irish stew is typically served with boiled potatoes and crusty bread.


What’s in Brunswick Stew – A Southern Favorite

A Southern favorite, Brunswick Stew blends chicken, pork, or beef with vegetables and a tangy tomato-based sauce. Traditionally, it’s cooked over an open fire for a smoky, rich taste.

If you like stew, I'm betting that you'd love Black Bean Soup too. Go check it out!

Frequently Asked Questions about Beef Stew

Do I need to rehydrate the vegetables before adding them to beef stew?

Nope! When cooking in a slow cooker, the dried carrots, potatoes, onions, peas, and celery will rehydrate while simmering. Just add a little extra stock if you’ll be gone all day to keep everything moist.

Can I make this beef stew on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes. Simmer the ingredients in a heavy pot or Dutch oven for about 1 ½ to 2 hours on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.Answer

What are the best cuts of beef for slow cooker stew?

Chuck roast and round steak are budget-friendly and perfect. They have connective tissue that breaks down into gelatin during slow cooking, giving the stew a rich, velvety texture.

Can I freeze leftover beef stew?

Absolutely. Cool the stew, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

How can I thicken beef stew if it turns out too watery?

Mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with 2 ounces of cold water, then stir into the stew. Simmer until thickened. (See the “Pro Tip” section above for details!)

What fresh vegetable swaps can I use instead of dehydrated?

Use 2 medium carrots, 2 medium potatoes, ½ onion, 1 celery stalk, and fresh garlic slices. Instructions for swapping are included earlier on the page.

How do I store leftover stew in the fridge?

Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Can I add wine or beer for extra flavor?

Yes! About ½ cup of red wine or dark beer adds a deeper, richer flavor. Just reduce the beef stock slightly to balance the liquid.

If this beef stew made your day, just wait till you try the other comfort foods I’ve packed into my free recipe booklet — like carrot soup, split pea soup, minestrone, beef jerky, and even banana cinnamon rolls.

With a simple mix of dehydrated basics and fresh add-ins, you’ll whip up meals your whole family will actually eat. Grab your free 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love PDF below!

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