Beef & Mushroom Stew

Servings: 5–6 | Calories: ~480 per serving | Estimated Cost: ~$10–$12 total

This easy crockpot beef and mushroom stew is a deeply comforting meal that is made with simple whole ingredients. Slow-cooked beef becomes fall-apart tender in a savory broth with mushrooms and vegetables—no seed oils, no thickeners, just classic comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic comfort food
  • Rich, savory flavor without heaviness
  • Clean, whole ingredients
  • High-protein and filling
  • Perfect cold-weather meal

Ingredients

  • 2½ lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
  • 2½ cups beef broth
  • 12 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  • Add beef and beef broth to the crockpot.
  • Add mushrooms, carrots, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme.
  • Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
  • Stir gently once beef is tender.
  • Stir in apple cider vinegar.
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Clean Ingredient Notes

  • Use broth with no added oils or sugars.
  • Mushrooms naturally deepen flavor.
  • Vinegar enhances richness without thickeners.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Add parsnips or turnips for variety.
  • Swap thyme for rosemary.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread if desired.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
  • Freezes well up to 3 months.

Crockpot Beef & Mushroom Stew

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 2½ lbs beef chuck
  • 2½ cups beef broth
  • 12 oz mushrooms
  • 3 carrots
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Method
 

  1. Add all ingredients except vinegar to crockpot.
  2. Cook LOW 7–8 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours.
  3. Stir in vinegar and rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Beef becomes more tender as it rests
• Add broth when reheating if needed
• Flavor deepens overnight