Crock-Pot Beef Stew

Name: Crock-Pot Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Beef Stew Meat; 1 large Onion (chopped); 2 cups Beef Broth; 1 cup Diced Carrots; 1 cup Diced Potatoes; 0.5 cup Frozen Peas

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

By: Maria
Posted: 07/26/2025

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret weapon in my weeknight dinner. What’s your favorite crock pot Beef Stew recipe? What is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, fills your kitchen with the most delicious ingredients? I have a pickiest eater. My son is very picky! ) come back for seconds. If you love a good stew but dread the all-day simmering, this is your answer. Think of it as the easier, more forgiving cousin to that classic beef bourguignon, but with way less fat. Think about it like a burger or ham sandwich. What is the fuss and all the same comforting deliciousness? Is it safe to put everything in a slow cooker? What is a Crock-Pot Beef Stew?

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

What is a crock pot beef stew?

What is a Crock-Pot Beef Stew? Slow simmered beef with vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. Think of it as a hug in sand! What is a classic beef stew? The long, slow cooking time makes the beef incredibly tender and allows all the flavors to meld. How do you put together The name “Crock-Pot Beef Stew” simply means we’re using a slow cooker (or Crock Pot – same thing! ) to make this culinary magic happen. What is a simple, straightforward, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekends?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to eat a crock pot Beef Stew? First and foremost, the truth.flavorIs this world out of the world? The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, the vegetables are perfectly cooked, and the broth is delicious. Is it bursting with savory goodness? Is it the kind of flavor that makes you want to lick your bowl clean? What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly delicious it is.simpleWhat is a dump-and-go recipe? What is the best way to brown beef? What are some good recipes to cook in a slow cooker? What’s your day like? What is a lifesaver on busy nights?cost-efficientBeef stew meat is usually pretty affordable, and you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. How do I stretch my grocery budget without sacrificing flavor? And finally, it’s super super.versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices. Sometimes I like to throw in a can of diced tomatoes for extra acidity, or splash of red wine for sweetness. Is there a Is this Crock Pot Beef Stew better than any store-bought version? What is the perfect combination of flavor, simplicity, and comfort? What are the best ways to make for years to come?

How do you make a crockpot beef stew?

Quick Overview

How do I make a Crock Pot Beef Stew? I’ll start by prepping my veggies and browning the beef (if you’re feeling fancy). What is the best way to cook everything in a Slow Cooker? Set it on low, walk away, and let the magic happen. What is the hardest part of waiting for something to be done?

Ingredients

For the Beef:
* 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes. I always use chuck roast – it gets so tender! * 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef – you can skip this step if you’re in a rush! ) * 1 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper.

For Vegetables:
* 1 large onion, chopped. Yellow or white works great! * 2 carrots, peeled and chopped Don’t skip these, they add sweetness! * 2 celery stalks, chopped. Adds great flavor complexity. * 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed. I prefer Yukon Gold, but Russets work too. * 1 cup frozen peas (optional, but they add a nice pop of color and sweetness)

For the Broth & Flavor:
* 4 cups beef broth. Low sodium is best so you can control the salt.
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Adds richness and depth of flavor.
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme. A must-have for classic stew flavor!
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary. Adds a warm, earthy note.
* 2 bay leaves. Don’t forget to remove these before serving!
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Secret ingredient for umami!
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening the stew – optional)

How do I follow step

Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional)

This step adds a ton of flavor! Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This helps it sear properly and develop a nice crust. Set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. I like mine to be roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crock-Pot

Place the chopped vegetables and browned beef (if using) in the Crock-Pot. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary and Worcestershire. Set aside. What are the ingredients for sauce, flour, and sugar? What is the broth for beef and vegetables? Pour the mixture over the beef. Add the bay leaves.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be very tender and the vegetables should be cooked through. I always do a taste test at the end and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes it needs a little more salt and pepper.

Step 5: Add Peas (Optional)

If using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Why do some people get mushy?

Step 6: Thicken (Optional)

If you want a thicker stew, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir cornstarch slurry into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

Step 7: Remove Bay Leaves and Serve

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve hot and enjoy! I love to serve mine with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping.

What should I serve it with?

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Crock-Pot Beef Stew bubbling away, but what do you serve with it? Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

What is a good weeknight meal? A crusty loaf of bread or some warm rolls are perfect for sopping up all that delicious broth. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a nice touch of freshness.

For a Cozy Sunday Dinner:Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with beef stew. They’re creamy, comforting, and soak up the gravy like a dream. Green beans or Brussels sprouts are also good choices.

For a Special Occasion:If you’re serving this for a holiday dinner, you can dress it up with steamed veggies. What are some good Yorkshire pudding recipes? What is a good red wine?

My family loves when I serve this with my grandma’s homemade biscuits. They’re light, fluffy, and the perfect complement to the hearty stew. I hope to pass it down to my children!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crock-Pot Beef Stew

How do I take my Crock Pot Beef Stew to the next level?

Beef Quality Matters.Don’t skimp on beef! What are some good ways to use beef in a stew? I always recommend chuck roast, as it becomes incredibly tender during the long cooking time. If you have excess fat, cut it into cubes.

Don’t skip the Browning: Why? While it’s optional, browning the beef before adding it to the Crock-Pot adds a ton of flavor. It creates a Maillard reaction, which is basically a fancy way of saying it creates a delicious, savory crust. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend doing it if you can.

What are the best flavors to layer?Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. What are some good substitutes for rosemary and thyme? What is cayenne pepper for? I always add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami flavor.

Don’t overcoIs it possible to overcook beef stew in a crock pot? Overcooked beef can become dry and stringy, and overcooked vegetables can be mushy. Keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed. I find that 6-8 hours on low is usually perfect.

Adjust the Thickness: If you like a thicker stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork to thicken the stew naturally.

Don’t Forget to Season: Taste the stew at the end and adjust the seasonings as needed. It may need a little more salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

I learned the hard way that adding too much salt at the beginning can ruin the whole batch! It’s always better to start with less and add more as needed.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Crock-Pot Beef Stew is even better the next day, as the flavors have had a chance to meld together even more. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down completely before refrigerating it.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the stew for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no glaze for this recipe, timing isnt an issue.

Reheating: You can reheat the stew in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating in the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little bit of broth or water if the stew has thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to thicken the stew. Also, double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten.

Can I use different vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to substitute or add any vegetables you like. Mushrooms, parsnips, turnips, and sweet potatoes would all be delicious additions.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 30-35 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

Can I add wine to this stew?

Definitely! Adding a cup of red wine to the stew will add a lot of depth and complexity of flavor. I recommend using a dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Add the wine after browning the beef and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce before adding the broth.

My stew is too watery. What can I do?

If your stew is too watery, you can thicken it by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork or remove a cup of the broth and simmer it on the stovetop until it reduces.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: My family’s all-time favorite Crock-Pot Beef Stew recipe! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I truly believe that this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good, hearty stew. I hope you give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious it is! If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas. Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out. I’d love to hear your feedback and any variations you try!