The typical slow cooking time for beef stew is:

• On LOW heat: 7 to 10 hours (often around 7-8 hours or up to 12 hours according to some recipes)
• On HIGH heat: 4 to 6 hours

This timing ensures the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld well. Cooking on low heat for longer produces more tender meat without drying it out. Some recipes advise starting to check for doneness around 6 hours on low. Adding vegetables like carrots and potatoes generally fits well within this time frame. Thickeners like flour or cornstarch are often added near the end to achieve the desired gravy consistency.