There’s something special about a warm bowl of beef stew on a cold day. This beef stew crockpot recipe is one of those meals that’s comforting, flavorful, and simple to prepare. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, leaving you with tender beef, rich gravy, and perfectly cooked vegetables.
If you’ve been looking for a recipe that’s both family friendly and make ahead, this one is a keeper. Let’s dive in.
Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe
Why This Crockpot Beef Stew Works So Well
Slow cooking is perfect for beef stew because it lets all the flavors develop while turning tough cuts of beef into melt in your mouth bites. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Hands off cooking just prep, set, and forget.
- Full of flavor herbs, garlic, and broth make a rich stew.
- One pot convenience no extra pans needed for the main cooking.
Tip: Pair it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this classic crockpot beef stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient note: Beef chuck works best because it becomes tender after hours of slow cooking.
Step by Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for the perfect crockpot beef stew:
1. Prep the Beef
Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Optional: Lightly sear the beef in a skillet for extra flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
2. Add the Vegetables
Place carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions in the crockpot.
3. Build the Flavor
Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
4. Add the Broth
Pour beef broth over everything. Stir gently to combine.
5. Slow Cook
Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you like a thicker stew, whisk flour with some broth from the pot, then stir it back in and cook for an extra 20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fresh bread to soak up the gravy.
- Top with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
- Add a side salad for balance.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
| Calories | 365 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
| Potassium | 980 mg |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
FAQs About Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe FAQs
1. Can I put raw beef in the slow cooker?
Yes! You can add raw beef directly to the crockpot, and it will cook thoroughly. However, browning the beef first in a skillet adds deeper flavor and richer color to the stew.
2. How long does beef stew take to cook in a crockpot?
- On Low: 7–8 hours
- On High: 4–5 hours
Cooking it low and slow helps the beef become extra tender and flavorful.
3. What’s the best cut of beef for crockpot stew?
Chuck roast is the most popular choice because it becomes fork-tender after slow cooking. Other good options are brisket, bottom round, or stew meat.
4. Can I make this beef stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! Beef stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
5. How do I thicken beef stew in the crockpot?
- Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water (a slurry) and stir it in 30 minutes before serving.
- Or, mash a few potatoes from the stew and stir them back in for a natural thickener.
Easy Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1 inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots sliced
- 3 potatoes diced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tbsp flour optional, for thickening
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Beef
- Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Optional: Lightly sear the beef in a skillet for extra flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
- Add the Vegetables
- Place carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions in the crockpot.
- Build the Flavor
- Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Add the Broth
- Pour beef broth over everything. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow Cook
- Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional)
- If you like a thicker stew, whisk flour with some broth from the pot, then stir it back in and cook for an extra 20 minutes.
Video
Notes
- Serve with fresh bread to soak up the gravy.
- Top with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
- Add a side salad for balance.
