Slow Cooker 9-Ingredient Beef & Mushroom Gravy Stew

by

Slow Cooker 9-Ingredient Beef & Mushroom Gravy Stew (Easy Crockpot Comfort Food)

Image
Image
Image
Image

Slow Cooker Beef & Mushroom Gravy Stew

This Slow Cooker 9-Ingredient Beef & Mushroom Gravy Stew is the ultimate hearty comfort food. Tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a rich mushroom gravy with onions and herbs create a cozy, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday dinners.

With just nine simple ingredients, this easy crockpot beef stew delivers deep, savory flavor with minimal prep time.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Stew

  • Only 9 pantry-friendly ingredients
  • Hands-off slow cooker recipe
  • Rich, savory mushroom gravy
  • Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles
  • Freezer-friendly for meal prep
  • Family-friendly comfort food

Ingredients (Serves 6)

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1–1½-inch chunks
  • 16 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef & Mushroom Stew

Step 1 – Layer the Vegetables

Add sliced mushrooms and onions to the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, spreading evenly.

Step 2 – Add the Beef

Place beef stew meat on top of the vegetables.

Step 3 – Make the Savory Gravy Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • Beef broth
  • Condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dried thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk until mostly smooth and well combined.

Step 4 – Combine

Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables.
Gently stir everything together in the slow cooker until well coated. The mixture will look creamy and slightly soupy.

Step 5 – Slow Cook

Cover and cook:

  • LOW for 7–8 hours
  • HIGH for 4–5 hours

The beef should be fork-tender and the mushrooms fully cooked into the gravy.

Step 6 – Final Stir & Season

Stir well before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

How to Serve Beef & Mushroom Gravy Stew

This rich beef stew is best served over:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Buttered egg noodles
  • Steamed white or brown rice
  • Cauliflower mash (low-carb option)

Spoon extra mushroom gravy over the top for maximum flavor.

Variations & Expert Tips

Make It Creamier (Stroganoff Style)

Stir in ¼–½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt at the end of cooking (off heat).

Add More Vegetables

  • 2–3 chopped carrots (add at the beginning)
  • Frozen peas (add during the last 30 minutes)

Dairy-Free Option

Use a dairy-free cream of mushroom alternative or homemade mushroom gravy.

Boost Flavor

For deeper flavor, brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker (optional but recommended).

Thicker Gravy

  • Remove lid for the last 20–30 minutes on HIGH
    OR
  • Stir in a slurry: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water

Cook until thickened.

Storage & Freezing

  • Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
  • Freeze: Up to 3 months
  • Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave until heated through

This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Nutritional Highlights

  • High in protein from beef
  • Rich in iron and B vitamins
  • Mushrooms add antioxidants and fiber
  • Can be lightened with low-fat or dairy-free swaps

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef & Mushroom Gravy Stew is a simple, satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With tender beef, savory mushroom gravy, and effortless preparation, it’s the perfect easy crockpot comfort food recipe to keep in your weekly rotation.

Would you like:

  • An Instant Pot version?
  • A low-carb / keto adaptation?
  • A printable recipe card format?
  • Or an SEO-optimized Pinterest title and meta description?

Leave a Comment