A comforting and hearty dish, this Crock Pot Beef Stew is packed with tender beef, vegetables, and savory broth, making it the perfect meal for a cozy dinner. It’s simple to prepare and lets the slow-cooking process work its magic, bringing out deep, delicious flavors that will satisfy your hunger on the coldest days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this Crock Pot Beef Stew because it’s so easy to make and full of flavor. The beef becomes wonderfully tender after slow cooking for hours, and the vegetables soak up all the savory goodness from the broth. It’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal effort, and the best part is that it’s incredibly filling and comforting. Plus, the house smells amazing while it’s cooking! This stew is perfect for busy days when I want to come home to a warm, satisfying meal that’s ready to serve.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 cup beef broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup flour (optional, for thickening)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large bowl, season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. If I want a thicker stew, I coat the beef in flour.
I place the seasoned beef in the Crock Pot, then add the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
Next, I pour in the beef broth, water, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. I give everything a good stir to combine.
I cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The stew is done when the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Before serving, I remove the bay leaf and taste the stew to adjust the seasoning if needed.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Total Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Variations
If I want to make this stew a little heartier, I sometimes add parsnips or turnips in place of some of the potatoes.
For extra flavor, I can toss in a splash of red wine with the beef broth and water.
If I prefer a thicker consistency, I may add more flour or even cornstarch at the end of cooking to thicken the broth to my liking.
I also love to throw in some frozen peas about 30 minutes before the stew is done for added color and taste.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, I place the stew in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, I can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat it, I just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If frozen, I thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef for this stew?
While the recipe is specifically designed for beef, I can substitute chicken for the beef if I prefer. Chicken breast or thighs would work well, though the cooking time might be a little shorter.
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh ones. However, I recommend adding them in the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking them.
Is there a way to make this stew gluten-free?
To make the stew gluten-free, I simply omit the flour used for thickening. Instead, I can use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend as a thickening agent at the end of the cooking process.
How do I know when the beef is tender?
The beef will be tender when it can easily be shredded with a fork. If it’s still tough after the recommended cooking time, I can let it cook for an additional hour.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, I can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch, though I’ll need to ensure my Crock Pot is big enough to accommodate all the ingredients. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Beef Stew is a fantastic, no-fuss meal that I can prepare ahead of time and let the Crock Pot do all the work. The result is a savory, hearty stew that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Whether I’m feeding my family or serving guests, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. The tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich broth make for a satisfying and comforting dish every time.
📖 Recipe:
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Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Total Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food for cold weather. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth make it a perfect one-pot meal. Easy to prepare with minimal effort, the slow-cooking process enhances deep, satisfying flavors. It’s ideal for busy days, offering a filling meal that’s ready when you are.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Season beef stew meat with salt and pepper in a large bowl. For a thicker stew, coat the beef in flour.
- Add the seasoned beef to the Crock Pot, followed by potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Pour in beef broth, water, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning adjustments.
- Serve warm, enjoying the comforting flavors.
Notes
For a heartier stew, add parsnips or turnips instead of some potatoes.
A splash of red wine can enhance the flavor when added with the broth.
Frozen peas can be added 30 minutes before the end of cooking for extra color and taste.
For a thicker stew, add more flour or cornstarch towards the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
