Name: Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Casserole with Vegetables
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 3 celery stalks, sliced; 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 4 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste

This Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Casserole with Vegetables is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth come together effortlessly in your slow cooker, creating a wholesome meal that warms the soul. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker beef casserole is a game-changer for anyone craving a hearty, home-cooked meal without the fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish that’s bursting with comfort. Tender chunks of beef meld with colorful vegetables in a savory, herb-infused broth, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, as you can toss everything in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or enjoy it on its own. This recipe is also great for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully and freezes well for future meals. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers, this casserole delivers on taste, convenience, and heartwarming goodness.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Brown the Beef: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances flavor with a rich, caramelized crust.
Layer Strategically: Place denser vegetables like carrots and potatoes at the bottom for even cooking.
Don’t Skip the Flour: Coating beef in flour helps thicken the broth for a hearty, stew-like consistency.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving, as slow cooking can mellow flavors.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary elevates the dish, but dried herbs work in a pinch.
Deglaze the Pan: After browning beef, deglaze with a splash of broth to capture flavorful bits.
Check Liquid Levels: If the casserole looks dry, add more broth or water during cooking.
Cut Vegetables Uniformly: This ensures even cooking and a polished presentation.

Yield: Serves 6

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Casserole with Vegetables

Hearty slow cooker beef casserole with tender beef and vibrant vegetables in a savory broth, perfect for cozy family dinners.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a flavorful crust when seared.
Coat in Flour: In a large bowl, toss beef cubes with flour until evenly coated. This helps thicken the casserole later.
Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
Deglaze the Pan: Add a splash of beef broth to the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Pour this into the slow cooker for extra flavor.
Add Vegetables: Place potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion in the slow cooker, layering denser vegetables at the bottom for even cooking.
Include Aromatics: Add minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker, distributing evenly.
Pour in Broth: Add beef broth, ensuring ingredients are just covered. Stir gently to combine flavors.
Set and Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
Adjust Seasoning: Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Stir gently to combine.
Serve Warm: Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Notes

For richer flavor, use homemade beef broth if available.
Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain consistent cooking temperature.
If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in during the last 30 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 565Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 125mgSodium 570mgCarbohydrates 36gFiber 5gSugar 5gProtein 43g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

The beef chuck roast is the star, offering rich flavor and tenderness when slow-cooked. Choose well-marbled cuts for the best results. Carrots, potatoes, and celery provide a classic vegetable medley, adding texture and nutrition. Yellow onions and garlic bring depth, while tomato paste creates a subtle tangy backbone. Worcestershire sauce adds umami, enhancing the savory profile. Low-sodium beef broth keeps the dish balanced, allowing you to control saltiness. Flour coats the beef, thickening the sauce naturally. Dried thyme and bay leaves infuse earthy, aromatic notes, but fresh herbs can elevate the flavor further. Olive oil is used for searing, but vegetable oil works as a substitute. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a harmonious, comforting dish.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit dietary needs or preferences. Swap beef for pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a different protein; adjust cooking times accordingly. For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms or lentils and vegetable broth. Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes or parsnips for a sweeter, nutrient-packed twist. If you’re avoiding gluten, skip the flour and thicken with cornstarch slurry near the end. Add green beans, peas, or corn for extra color and variety. For a spicier kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can mimic its umami depth. Experiment with herbs like rosemary or oregano to customize the flavor profile.

Storage Options

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid repeated freezing to maintain texture.