This Low-Calorie Slow Cooker Beef Stew is packed with lean beef, fresh veggies, and delicious herbs, making it a comforting and nutritious meal that fits perfectly into your Weight Watchers plan. With the slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll have a warm, flavorful dish that’s ready to enjoy with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean beef stew meat (choose lean cuts like sirloin or round)
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (or use cauliflower for fewer carbs)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste (optional, since the broth is already salted)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end for color and sweetness)
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the beef stew: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef stew meat in a little bit of cooking spray or olive oil for 3-5 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and add the beef directly to the slow cooker.
  2. Combine in slow cooker: Add the browned beef (or raw beef, if you skipped browning) to the slow cooker. Then, add the beef broth, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes (or cauliflower), garlic, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
  3. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  4. Thicken (optional): If you’d like to thicken the stew, dissolve 2 tbsp of cornstarch in 2 tbsp of water and stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving. Let it cook on high for the final half-hour to thicken.
  5. Add peas: About 30 minutes before the stew is done, stir in the frozen peas. Allow them to heat through in the slow cooker.
  6. Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting beef stew!

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: ~220
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 18g

WW Points (per serving): 4-5 Points (depending on your broth and any modifications to ingredients)

Tips & Variations:

  • For fewer carbs: Use cauliflower instead of potatoes for a lower-carb version. The texture is similar, and it’ll save a lot of calories and points.
  • Add more veggies: Feel free to add additional veggies like parsnips, turnips, or green beans for more fiber and nutrients.
  • Make it heartier: If you want a thicker stew, add some diced butternut squash, or blend a small portion of the stew and return it to the pot to add extra thickness without extra calories.

This Low-Calorie Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the perfect comfort food that’s both satisfying and Weight Watchers-friendly.