Beef stew - do I put the veg in with the beef to slow cook?

[RamblinBoy]

Probably a stupid question but I have the ingredients for beef stew and a slow cooker. Planned to put it on just now and eat tonight. Do I put the veg in just now? Will it turn to mush?

Chuck it all in and put it on low and it'll be fine. Potato's can go mushy, I usually put them in later.

Root veg type stuff? Chuck it in slow cooked carrots/ potatoes with beef is lush. Greens should be done at the last minute.

Flash fry the beef and stick it all in. I usually put it on high for an hour and turn to low. I cook potatoes seperately and add at the end. They never seem to behave in a slow cooker.

I do. I usually throw everything in at the same time and set it on low in the morning, ready for evening meal.
I cut the veg and potatoes in large chunks though.

Don’t put potatoes in, they add nothing to the flavour and if you have dipped the beef pieces in flour before browning that will thicken the liquid. Cook the potatoes as normal and serve them as mash

If however you make lamb hotpot, a thick layer of sliced potatoes is essential. .

Root vegetables yes they add loads to the flavor but not green veg or mushrooms, just last 20 minutes for them

I dip the beef in seasoned flour and brown it, put it in the preheated slow cooker. Then brown carrots, onions, mushrooms in the same pan, add the liquid to the pan, give it a stir, bring to the boil, then add the lot to the cooker.
Green veg is cooked separately just before serving.

Brilliant - thanks! Yes it's root veg that I have. I'll keep the potatoes and green beans for later.

I always do a few potatoes and cut then really small. They will disinitgrate but thicken the sauce

Use tinned potatoes , they keep their shape/form don't got mushy and taste fab