Slow Cooker Beef Potatoes

This slow cooker beef and potatoes dish is the ultimate comfort meal for cool days when you want something hearty and satisfying with minimal effort. Tender beef cubes meld beautifully with chunky potatoes and a rich, savory sauce infused with smoked paprika, Worcestershire, garlic, and herbs. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep since it develops deep flavors after hours of gentle cooking.

I first tried this recipe on a chilly weekend, and it’s now a reliable favorite that makes the house smell inviting and cozy every time I make it.

Ingredients

• Beef: 2 pounds beef cut into oneinch cubes for even cooking and tenderness
• Potatoes: 1 and a half pounds potatoes peeled and chopped to absorb flavors and provide heartiness
• Onion: One large onion chopped to add sweetness and body
• Garlic: Five fresh garlic cloves minced for aromatic depth
• Olive oil: Two tablespoons olive oil to brown the beef and build flavor
• Beef broth: Two cups beef broth as a savory liquid base
• Worcestershire sauce: Two tablespoons Worcestershire sauce for umami richness
• Tomato paste: Two tablespoons tomato paste to intensify the sauce’s body and taste
• Soy sauce: One tablespoon soy sauce for added salty complexity
• Beef bouillon: Two beef bouillon cubes crushed to boost savory notes
• Salt: One teaspoon salt to balance flavors
• Black pepper: Half teaspoon black pepper for a mild kick
• Dried thyme: One teaspoon dried thyme to add earthiness and herbal aroma
• Smoked paprika: Half teaspoon smoked paprika to lend a subtle smoky warmth
• Cornstarch slurry: One teaspoon cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons water for optional thickening

Instructions

Prepare the Beef and Vegetables:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, rotating patiently to develop a rich caramelized crust. This step is essential for maximum flavor. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently until fragrant and translucent to build a strong flavor base. Transfer everything to your slow cooker and top with diced potatoes arranged evenly.

Mix the Sauce:

In a bowl, thoroughly whisk beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, soy sauce, crushed bouillon cubes, salt, black pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined. This sauce layers savory depth perfectly with a touch of warmth.

Combine and Cook:

Pour the prepared sauce over beef and potatoes in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. The low and slow method will yield the most tender beef and full flavor integration, but the quicker option works well when pressed for time. Check for tender beef and fully cooked potatoes.

Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

If you like a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir gently into the slow cooker during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. This allows the sauce to become luscious and cling to the meat and potatoes just right.

One of my favorite memories with this meal is bringing it to a chilly fall potluck. The aroma carried through the room and it vanished from the pot in minutes, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve tenderness. This meal freezes beautifully, portion it into freezersafe containers and thaw overnight when ready to eat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter, vitamin rich twist. You can also replace beef with lamb for a gamier, more aromatic experience. Adding a splash of dry red wine to the sauce instead of some broth adds sophistication and nuanced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve topped with fresh chopped parsley or a spoonful of sour cream for brightness. Pair with crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the savory gravy. Lightly steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus round out the plate nicely.

Enjoy this cozy slow cooker beef and potatoes with family. It reheats well for simple leftovers.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ Can I skip browning the beef?

Skipping browning will lessen the depth of flavor and color. Searing beef first caramelizes the surface, enhancing the overall taste and appearance.

→ How can I thicken the sauce?

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the dish during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to achieve a thicker sauce.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the beef, potatoes, and other ingredients a day in advance, refrigerate separately, and combine in the slow cooker when ready to cook.

→ How do I reduce cooking time?

Use the high heat setting on your slow cooker to reduce cook time to 3-4 hours. Check the beef and potatoes regularly for tenderness.

→ Why did my potatoes turn mushy?

Potatoes may become mushy if cut too small or cooked too long. Use larger chunks and consider adding them later in the cooking process for better texture.