An overhead view of a rich, bubbling beef stew with chunks of meat, carrots, potatoes, celery, and bay leaves simmering in a white slow cooker .Crockpot Beef Stew

Comfort in a Bowl: The Ultimate Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

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When the weather turns cool and you need a hearty, feel-good dinner, nothing beats a classic crockpot beef stew. The slow cooker works its magic, turning simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful and comforting meal destined to be a weeknight favorite.

This beef stew is packed with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich broth—perfect for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone craving real comfort food. By following a few pro tips and easy swaps, you’ll end up with stew so delicious, it rivals any grandma’s recipe!

A close-up of a white bowl overflowing with savory beef stew, garnished with fresh herbs, alongside soft dinner rolls and a spoon.
Warm up with a bowl of this rich and comforting beef stew, packed with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes, perfect for a cozy meal!

Why This Beef Stew Stands Out

  • Easy Prep: Toss ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and walk away.
  • Big Flavor: Searing the beef and using savory seasonings means every bite is deeply flavorful.
  • Nutritious & Flexible: Loaded with protein, veggies, and options for gluten-free eaters.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids love it, and leftovers are even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need Crockpot Beef Stew

A white Crock-Pot slow cooker with a blue patterned exterior, filled with raw stew ingredients under a clear glass lid.
Get ready for effortless meal prep! ThisCrockpot Beef Stew slow cooker, filled with fresh, diced vegetables, promises a delicious stew. Perfect for busy weeknights!
  • Beef: Stew cubes or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces, offer the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
  • Vegetables: Onion, carrots, celery, potatoes (baby or red for that waxy, creamy texture).
  • Seasonings: Kosher salt, cracked pepper, Italian seasoning (swap for thyme or rosemary as desired), garlic powder, bay leaves.
  • Beef Stock/Broth: Adds rich taste and body to the soup.
  • Tomato Paste: Deepens the flavor of the broth.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: For savory umami. Soy sauce or tamari works as a substitute.
  • Thickener: All-purpose flour, or cornstarch for gluten-free.

Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe tip: Want more nutrition? Add frozen peas, corn, or mushrooms during the final hour of cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Close-up of beef cubes searing in a dark cast iron pan on a black gas stove, with some meat browned and others pink.
Perfectly seared beef cubes in a cast iron pan, showing a delicious mix of browned and tender pink centers. A culinary delight in the making!
  1. Brown the Beef:
    Heat olive oil in a large pan. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides for 3-5 minutes per batch. Browning creates robust, irresistible flavor.
  2. Deglaze & Start the Broth:
    Add beef stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the pan. Simmer, scraping up brown bits to bring added depth to your stew.
  3. Build Your Stew:
    Transfer beef and broth mix to the crockpot. Add onion, carrots, celery, quartered potatoes, and bay leaves.
  4. Set & Forget:
    Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow simmer transforms tough beef into fork-tender bites and melds all flavors.
  5. Thicken the Stew:
    In a small bowl, whisk flour (or cornstarch) with a little stew liquid. Stir mixture back into the crockpot and cook on high 30 minutes longer, until thickened.
  6. Adjust Seasoning & Serve:
    Check taste, add more salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley for color.

Expert Tips for Unbeatable Flavor

  • Don’t skip the browning step: It delivers SO much taste.
  • Customize the broth: Use more or less thickener, as you prefer—a gravy-like texture or a thinner, soupy base.
  • Searing is key: Lock in juices and maximize flavor.
  • Go gluten-free: Just replace flour with cornstarch slurry.
  • Add red wine: For deeper stew flavor, try adding a splash of red wine (alcohol cooks off!).
  • Freeze carefully: Potatoes may soften; reheat gently and stir well.

Satisfying Variations for Crockpot Beef Stew

An overhead view of a rich, bubbling beef stew with chunks of meat, carrots, potatoes, celery, and bay leaves simmering in a white slow cooker.
Nothing beats a warm bowl of hearty beef stew simmering to perfection! This classic comfort food is packed with tender Crockpot Beef Stew , vibrant veggies, and rich flavors, perfect for a cozy meal.
  • Try sweet potatoes for extra nutrition.
  • Choose fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary) along with Italian seasoning.
  • Add extra veggies such as mushrooms, parsnips, or rutabagas for depth.
  • Spice it up with a touch of chili flakes.

Delicious Sides for Crockpot Beef Stew

Complete your comfort meal with a batch of homemade Lion House Rolls. These soft, buttery rolls are the perfect partner for soaking up every drop of rich stew broth.

Storage & Make-Ahead Advice

  • Leftovers: Store stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Freezing: Stew can be frozen, but expect potatoes to change texture. Defrost in the fridge and stir before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes—red and baby potatoes are both waxy and perfect for stew. Cut into evenly sized chunks for the best texture.

What’s the best substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or tamari offer similar depth; use if needed.

How do I thicken stew gluten-free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour. Mix with a little cold water or broth before adding to your stew.

More Cozy Beef Dinners to Try

If you love rich, saucy beef recipes, be sure to check out this popular Beef Stroganoff Recipe. It’s fast, creamy, and perfect over egg noodles or mashed potatoes—another comfort classic your family will adore.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 335 kcal
  • Carbs: 25g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Sodium: 900mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g
  • See individual ingredient packages for most accurate nutrition.

Ready to make dinner a highlight of your week? Try this easy, soul-warming Crockpot Beef Stew tonight. Leave a comment and share your review—you just might help another home cook discover their new favorite meal!

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