Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crock Pot Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy days and cozy evenings. With tender chunks of beef, soft vegetables, and a savory broth, this stew practically cooks itself in the slow cooker. It’s rich in flavor, simple to prepare, and ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

beef stew meat (chuck or round, cut into cubes)
carrots
potatoes
celery
onion
garlic
beef broth
tomato paste
Worcestershire sauce
bay leaves
dried thyme
dried rosemary
salt
black pepper
cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
water
olive oil

directions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides, then transfer to the crock pot.

Add chopped carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and minced garlic to the crock pot.

Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until beef and vegetables are tender.

For a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the stew 30 minutes before serving.

Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Searing time: 10 minutes
Slow cooking time: 8–10 hours (low) or 4–6 hours (high)
Total time: approximately 8½ to 10½ hours

Variations

Add peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes for extra veggies.
Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or turnips.
Use red wine for part of the broth to deepen the flavor.
Include mushrooms for a richer, earthier stew.
Try fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Do I have to sear the beef first?
Searing adds depth of flavor, but you can skip it to save time.

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but add them in the last 1–2 hours to avoid overcooking.

How can I make the stew thicker?
Use a cornstarch slurry or mash some potatoes into the broth.

What cut of beef works best?
Chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for 2–3 hours.

Is it okay to leave the stew on warm after cooking?
Yes, for up to 2 hours. Beyond that, cool and store it to maintain quality.

What can I serve with beef stew?
Crusty bread, biscuits, or mashed potatoes are perfect companions.

Can I make it spicy?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili for some heat.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your crock pot is large enough to hold everything.

Can I make this stew gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food—warm, filling, and full of flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or prepping meals for the week, this stew delivers satisfying results every time. Just set it and forget it, and come back to a delicious homemade meal.