Some mornings are just a whirlwind of backpacks, lunch boxes, and tying shoes, right? We completely understand! That’s why we love a good “set it and forget it” slow cooker meal. This Honey Balsamic Beef Stew is the perfect solution for those days when you know you won’t have time to cook later. You just toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you have a high-quality, incredibly comforting meal waiting for you. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that kids love, while the balsamic vinegar makes the savory broth super rich and flavorful. Add in our tender Little Yellows™, and you’ve got a complete, hearty dinner with zero evening stress.

Don’t have every single ingredient? No problem! This stew is super forgiving. If you don’t have traditional beef stew meat, you can easily use a chuck roast cut into chunks. Out of carrots? Toss in some frozen peas right at the very end of cooking, or add chopped celery at the beginning. If you’re out of balsamic vinegar, you can substitute a little extra Worcestershire sauce or even a splash of soy sauce to keep that savory depth.

On-the-Go Tips

Stew is a lunchbox superstar! In the morning, just heat up the leftovers until they are piping hot, and pour them into an insulated thermos. It will stay warm all the way until lunchtime, giving your kids (or you!) a comforting, nutritious, and filling mid-day meal at school or the office.

Kid-Friendly Fun

The slow cooker is one of the safest and most fun ways for kids to help “cook” since the pot is completely cold when you start!

  • The Dump Truck: Kids love adding things to the big pot. Let them be in charge of carefully pouring in the Little Potatoes and the baby carrots.
  • Honey Helper: Let them help measure out the thick, sticky honey. It’s fun to watch it slowly drizzle into the pot!
  • The Big Stir: Before you put the lid on and turn the heat on, let them use a big wooden spoon to give everything one giant stir.
Prep
10 mins
Cook
8 hours
Serves
4
Ingredients
14
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Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Medium bowl

Ingredients

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  • 1 lb Little Potatoes
  • 1 lb stewing beef
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup low sodium beef broth
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/3 cup liquid honey
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp seasoning salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp corn starch
✦
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Instructions

  • Step 1

    Add potatoes, beef, celery, carrots and onion to a 2.5 to 4 quart slow cooker.

  • Step 2

    In a medium bowl, combine broth, vinegar, honey, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, seasoning salt, pepper and corn starch with a whisk until combined. Add to slow cooker.

  • Step 3

    Cover and cook on low for eight hours until potatoes and carrots are tender. If desired, thicken sauces further with a corn starch/water slurry. Serve.