# Stewing beef and beef stew cooking times

How long to cook beef stew: **2½–3 hours in the oven at 160°C (140°C fan), 2–2½ hours braised, 7–8 hours in a slow cooker and 35–40 min in a pressure cooker**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/beef-stew-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook beef stew

Times are for 1 kg diced braising steak or chuck, for 4–6.

Stewing beef and beef stew: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Oven](https://feastflow.co.uk/oven-cooking-times) | 2½–3 hours | 160°C (140°C fan), 325°F, gas 3 | In a covered casserole with liquid just covering the meat. |
| Braise | 2–2½ hours | covered, at a gentle simmer on the hob | Stir now and then and top up with liquid if needed. |
| [Slow cooker](https://feastflow.co.uk/slow-cooker-cooking-times) | 7–8 hours | on low | Brown the meat first for flavour. 4–5 hours on high. |
| [Pressure cooker](https://feastflow.co.uk/pressure-cooker-cooking-times) | 35–40 min | on high pressure | Natural release for 15 minutes. |

## Before you start

Cut into 4–5 cm chunks, pat dry and brown in batches. Tougher, cheaper cuts (chuck, shin, braising steak) are best: lean steak goes dry.

## How to tell it’s done

Tender enough to cut with a spoon. If it’s still tough, it needs longer, not less.

## Questions

### How long to cook beef stew in the oven?

2½–3 hours at 160°C (140°C fan), 325°F, gas 3. In a covered casserole with liquid just covering the meat.

### How long to braise beef stew?

2–2½ hours covered, at a gentle simmer on the hob. Stir now and then and top up with liquid if needed.

### How long to cook beef stew in a slow cooker?

7–8 hours on low. Brown the meat first for flavour. 4–5 hours on high.

### How long to cook beef stew in a pressure cooker?

35–40 min on high pressure. Natural release for 15 minutes.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/