McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix — 1.5 oz Pack of 12, Ready-to-Use for Slow Cooker & Instant Pot

McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix is a ready-to-use spice blend that flavors slow-cooked or Instant Pot beef stew with black pepper, paprika and thyme.

This convenient 1.5 oz packet (sold in a 12-pack) is formulated to simplify hearty, home-style beef stew without needing to measure multiple spices. Designed for slow cookers and pressure cookers, the mix brings balanced savory notes and warm color to your stew while keeping preparation quick and predictable. Use it with trimmed stew beef, potatoes, carrots and onions to create a classic comfort meal that simmers for hours or cooks fast in an Instant Pot.

How do I use this seasoning in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Add the seasoning mix directly to your meat, vegetables and water or broth, then stir to distribute. For slow cookers, cook 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high; for pressure cookers, follow a roughly 30-minute cook cycle. No extra measuring required—one packet is portioned for a typical family-size stew.

• Mix with 2–3 pounds of beef and 3–4 cups of water or broth.
• Stir the seasoning into vegetables and liquid before cooking.
• Adjust salt or additional herbs at the end to taste.

What flavor profile does this blend deliver?

The mix emphasizes black pepper’s sharpness, paprika’s warmth and thyme’s herbal lift to create a familiar, savory stew base. It enhances the natural beef flavors without overpowering them, and it contributes a subtle paprika color to the broth. The formula avoids added MSG and artificial flavors while including naturally occurring glutamates from spices.

• Black pepper adds mild heat and clarity.
• Paprika provides color and gentle smokiness.
• Thyme gives a subtle aromatic, earthy finish.

Can I change ingredients or scale recipes when using this mix?

Yes—this seasoning is flexible. Scale up for larger batches by using additional packets or spread one packet across fewer servings for lighter seasoning. It pairs well with common stew additions like red wine, Worcestershire, or extra vegetables without losing its intended flavor balance.

• Use more packets for larger quantities or stronger taste.
• Add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire for depth.
• Include root vegetables or mushrooms for texture and variety.

How long will the seasoning keep, and how should it be stored?

Store unopened packets in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and humidity to maintain freshness. Once opened, keep unused portions in an airtight container and use within a season for best aroma and potency. The product follows standard spice shelf-life practices.

• Keep in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
• Seal leftovers in an airtight jar or bag.
• Use within 12–18 months for peak flavor.

Who is this for? This McCormick Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning Mix suits home cooks who want consistent, homestyle stew flavor with minimal prep—ideal for busy families, novice cooks, and anyone who prefers hands-off slow-cooking or faster pressure-cooker options. It’s useful for meal planners who buy in bulk (pack of 12) to keep pantry-ready seasoning on hand for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or make-ahead comfort meals.

Ingredients

Corn Starch, Salt, Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten, Soy Protein and Wheat Gluten, Spices (Including Paprika, Thyme, Black Pepper), Garlic, Caramel Color, Onion, Beef Stock, Chicken Powder, Natural Flavor (Including Barley), Yeast Extract, Red Wine Solids, Rendered Beef Fat & Red Wine Vinegar.