Cozy, comforting, and brimming with rich flavor, Crock Pot Beef Stew is a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a soul-soothing meal, with tender pieces of beef, colorful veggies, and a luscious, savory broth. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you crave a bowl of hearty goodness. Let the slow cooker do the work while your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of home-cooked stew—the kind you’ll want to make again and again!

Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Crock Pot Beef Stew is how straightforward the ingredient list is, yet every element plays an important role in the final flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need for stew that’s truly show-stopping!

Beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled chunks for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after hours in the crock pot.
Beef broth: This forms the savory backbone of the stew, infusing everything with rich, meaty depth.
Carrots: Their sweet earthiness balances the robust flavors and adds vibrant color.
Potatoes: These soak up all the flavorful juices and give the stew its “stick-to-your-ribs” heartiness.
Celery: A classic stew addition for crunch, freshness, and an aromatic bite.
Onion: Chopped onion will slowly melt into the stew, bringing sweetness and oomph to every spoonful.
Garlic: Just a few cloves add wonderful depth and warmth to the finished dish.
Tomato paste: A little goes a long way, giving the broth body and a touch of tang.
Worcestershire sauce: For a burst of umami that ties everything together.
Dried thyme: Adds classic herbal lift; dried works perfectly here as it infuses slowly.
Dried rosemary: This aromatic herb makes the stew feel extra cozy and inviting.
Bay leaves: Essential for that underlying, old-fashioned stew flavor.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning is key to drawing out the natural flavors.
Cornstarch + water: (optional) For those who love a thick stew, this slurry is your best friend.
Fresh parsley: (optional) A sprinkle at the end brings freshness and a pop of green.

How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Chop the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic as instructed so everything is ready to go—think of it as prepping your flavor base! If you want deeper flavor, this is also a great time to quickly brown your beef in a skillet, though it’s optional.

Step 2: Layer Everything in the Crock Pot

Add the beef, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic directly into your slow cooker. The beauty of Crock Pot Beef Stew is how effortlessly it all comes together—no fancy steps here, just layer up those wholesome ingredients.

Step 3: Whisk the Liquid Seasonings

In a bowl, whisk together your beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. This mixture will infuse the stew with deep, complex flavor as it cooks low and slow.

Step 4: Pour Over and Start Cooking

Pour the seasoned broth mixture evenly over the meat and veggies in the crock pot. Pop on the lid, set the slow cooker to low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours, and let the magic happen while you go about your day.

Step 5: Thicken (Optional) and Finish

If you like a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch and water mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Give everything a good stir and taste for seasoning—sometimes an extra pinch of salt brings it all together.

How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Stew

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley over each bowl is both pretty and refreshing, but don’t stop there! Try a grind of black pepper, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even a handful of chives for added flair.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is a classic for soaking up every luxurious drop of broth, but Crock Pot Beef Stew also shines served over buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even egg noodles. Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, ladle the stew into hollowed-out bread bowls or oven-safe crocks topped with a round of puff pastry for a cozy, pub-style dinner. Individual ramekins also make it feel special—especially for a dinner party or holiday meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Crock Pot Beef Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors only deepen over time, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.

Freezing

This stew freezes like a dream! Ladle cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and stash them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat thawed stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through. If the stew thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, a splash of broth will loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Crock Pot Beef Stew?

Absolutely! While stew meat is convenient, chuck roast cut into cubes works wonderfully thanks to its marbling. Cuts like brisket or round can also be used—they’ll all turn out deliciously tender after slow cooking.

Do I really need to brown the beef first?

Browning builds extra flavor, but if time is tight, skip it! Crock Pot Beef Stew is designed to be unfussy and still tastes fantastic without that step.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

This recipe is flexible—try parsnips, rutabagas, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms for a hearty twist. Adjust cooking times slightly if you use more delicate veggies.

How can I make my stew thicker?

The cornstarch slurry is the quickest way, but you can also mash a few potatoes right into the stew or let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors.

Does Crock Pot Beef Stew work in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté setting to brown the meat and veggies, then switch to pressure cook for about 35 minutes (with natural release). Adjust liquids if needed, as pressure cookers retain more moisture.

Final Thoughts

Few things say “welcome home” like a bubbling pot of Crock Pot Beef Stew, brimming with tender meat and hearty vegetables. Give this recipe a try—you’ll see how easy it is to create comfort food that feels special, any day of the week!

Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crock Pot Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for cozy nights. Tender chunks of beef, along with vegetables and savory herbs, simmer together to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Stew:

2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
4 cups beef broth
3 large carrots (sliced)
3 medium potatoes (diced)
2 celery stalks (sliced)
1 medium onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Place the beef, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic into the crock pot.
Mix Broth: In a small bowl, mix together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour over the meat and vegetables in the crock pot.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Thicken (Optional): If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes to thicken the stew.
Serve: Remove bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot.
Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American