Comforting Beef Stew with Dehydrated Carrots, Potatoes, and Onion

Beef Stew: An Old-Fashioned Hearty Dish

Beef stew has long been a staple of hearty, comforting meals. Originating from peasant cuisine, it was traditionally made with whatever meat and vegetables were available. Over time, it evolved into the rich, flavorful dish we know and love today.

What’s in 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.

Beef stew in a square bowl with a dark interior

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 heat and simmer for a few minutes to cook the flour properly.
  5. Pour the thickened gravy back into your stew and stir, or serve it on the side for biscuit-dipping!

Brown Yer Beef, Brown It!

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 LĂłpez-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!

Best Cuts for Beef 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.

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 LOW 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.

Nutrition Information

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

Want to Use Fresh Ingredients?

Want to use fresh ingredients that you have on hand? Do this:

Fresh ingredients for beef strew

Exchange the dry ingredients in the recipe for these fresh ingredients listed below!

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)

When You Get Home... Your Delicious Beef Stew is Ready!

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!

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Traditional Irish 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.


Brunswick Stew

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.

Fun Fact: I once had Brunswick Stew served in a hollowed-out bread bowl—every last drop was devoured!

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

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