If soul-warming comfort food is what you’re after, this Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe is pure magic in a bowl. With meltingly tender beef, hearty vegetables, and an herby, savory broth that thickens just right, every spoonful feels like a cozy hug. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful stew that is impossibly easy to throw together—making this the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in rotation all fall and winter long.

Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this stew is in its simplicity: just down-to-earth pantry staples and a few fresh veggies work together to create incredible depth. Each ingredient brings its special touch to the texture, color, and rich layers of flavor in the finished dish.

Beef stew meat: Opt for well-marbled cuts, like chuck, because they become succulent and fall-apart tender after hours of slow cooking.
Carrots: Sliced carrots add natural sweetness, gorgeous color, and a satisfying bite.
Potatoes: Cubed potatoes soak up all the flavorful broth and help make this meal extra filling.
Celery: Sliced celery brings that classic stew aroma and gentle crunch.
Onion: Chopped onion is essential for rich, savory undertones in every spoonful.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds aromatic depth and just the right kick.
Beef broth: Use a good, robust beef broth—it’s the soul of the stew, tying everything together.
Tomato paste: A spoonful or two enriches the broth’s flavor base and adds beautiful color.
Worcestershire sauce: This secret ingredient lends a subtle tanginess and savory boost.
Dried thyme: Thyme brings soft, earthy notes that pair perfectly with beef.
Dried rosemary: A little rosemary goes a long way with its woodsy, piney aroma.
Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors into perfect balance.
Black pepper: For a gentle bite and finishing warmth.
Cornstarch: This is how you’ll get that ideal stew thickness—no gloppy flour here!
Water: Just a splash, whisked with cornstarch to make a fuss-free slurry.
Olive oil: Searing the beef in a little oil adds rich flavor and deep color to the finished stew.

How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef stew meat on all sides—don’t rush this step, since it adds loads of flavor to the final stew. Once the beef is seared, transfer it into your crock pot. If you want an extra bump of flavor, this is the perfect time to splash a bit of red wine into your hot pan and scrape up those caramelized brown bits; pour that right on top of the beef.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Next, toss in your sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic. These hearty vegetables will soften beautifully and meld with the savory broth as everything cooks low and slow.

Step 3: Mix the Broth and Flavorings

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Pour this aromatic mixture over the meat and veggies in your crock pot—the broth works its magic as it simmers, drawing out maximum flavor from every ingredient.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Place the lid on your crock pot and set it on low for 8-9 hours, or high for 4-5 hours. There’s no need to stir or peek; let time and gentle heat transform everything into a deeply flavorful, comfort-packed stew. By the end, your beef will practically melt and the vegetables will be perfectly tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, whisk the cornstarch with water to make a smooth slurry. Pour it into the stew, give everything a thorough stir, and leave the lid slightly ajar so the stew can thicken as it cooks uncovered. That way, you’ll get the luscious, spoon-coating consistency that makes this Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe unforgettable.

Step 6: Stir and Serve

Give the stew a final good stir to make sure all those rich flavors are evenly mixed. Then, ladle generous portions into bowls and get ready for the most comforting dinner of the season!

How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

Top your stew with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness (and maybe a little extra black pepper on top, if you like things bold!). A sprinkle of flaky salt or a drizzle of good olive oil can make every bowl look and taste even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve your Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe with a hunk of crusty bread to soak up every last drop—sourdough or a rustic baguette are always winning accompaniments. It’s also wonderful over buttery mashed potatoes or soft polenta for an extra-cozy meal. Don’t forget a simple green salad on the side for a bright, fresh balance to all that richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the stew into hollowed-out bread bowls for a dramatic (and deliciously edible) presentation, or serve it in small mugs with a skewer of roasted vegetables on the side for a fun twist. If you’re hosting, set up a “stew bar” with bowls of toppings like shredded cheese, chives, or sour cream—everyone can customize their perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. The Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—if anything, the flavors deepen and improve overnight!

Freezing

This stew is a superstar in the freezer. Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave a little space for expansion), and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. The microwave works well too—cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until everything is piping hot.

FAQs

Can I skip searing the beef?

While you technically can toss the beef straight into the crock pot, searing is worth the extra few minutes! It creates those rich savory flavors and a deeper color that really makes this Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe stand out.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Chuck roast is a favorite because it gets buttery-tender, but any well-marbled stew meat works. Brisket or even short rib chunks are delicious, though they might take a little longer to become tender.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the labels on your broth and Worcestershire sauce—some brands sneak in wheat. Cornstarch is the perfect gluten-free thickener, too!

Can I add other veggies?

Definitely! Stew is endlessly flexible—try parsnips, sweet potatoes, rutabaga, peas, or green beans. Stir in delicate vegetables like peas or greens at the very end so they keep their bright color and pop.

Is it okay to cook this on high instead of low?

You sure can. Cooking on high for 4-5 hours will still give you a hearty stew, but the beef might not be quite as tender as the low-and-slow approach. Whenever possible, low and slow is your ticket to stew perfection!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a foolproof, heartwarming meal to gather everyone around the table, look no further than this Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of stew simmering away, and every bite is savory, rich, and unbelievably comforting. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first spoonful!

Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

This hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender beef simmered with vegetables in a savory broth until it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Stew:

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sear beef: Sear the beef stew meat in batches until browned on all sides, then transfer to the crock pot.
Add vegetables: Add carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic to the crock pot.
Prepare broth: In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour over beef and vegetables.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Thicken stew: In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into the stew to thicken and cook uncovered for the remaining time.
Serve: Stir well before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine after searing the beef and pour it into the crockpot.
You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes if preferred.

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