Crockpot Beef Stew

In a single batch of this robust stew is the ultimate meal prep foundation for a streamlined week. Portion your Crockpot beef stew into containers for ready-to-heat lunches or effortless dinners that only get better with time.

I think we can all agree there’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you walk into a house that’s been filled with the scent of something simmering all day. It’s the smell of comfort, of anticipation, of a promise that dinner is already taken care of. For me, that magic is most often found in my trusty slow cooker, especially when it’s working its low-and-slow alchemy on a classic Crockpot beef stew.

This isn’t just another recipe. It’s a kitchen hug. It’s the answer to a rainy Tuesday, a busy weekend, or that feeling when you just want something deeply satisfying without a lot of fuss. This Crockpot beef stew recipe is my go-to for turning a few humble ingredients into a rich, hearty meal that feels like a warm blanket. The beauty of a good beef stew is in its patience. While you go about your day, the tough cuts of meat become spoon-tender, the vegetables soften and sweeten, and the broth transforms into a deeply flavorful gravy. It’s comfort food, made easy, right in your regular kitchen with regular time. Let’s make a pot of food that feels like home.

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Ingredients List

Crockpot beef stew starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something far greater than the sum of their parts. You likely have most of these in your pantry or can find them easily.

• For the Beef & Broth:

  • 2 ½ to 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 3-4 fresh sprigs)

• For the Vegetables:

  • 1 pound baby potatoes, halved (or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into chunks)
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

Smart Swaps & Dietary Notes:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to coat the beef and thicken the stew.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms. Swap the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a different twist.
• Broth: For a richer flavor, use a combination of beef broth and a splash of red wine (about ½ cup). If you're exploring other healthy crockpot recipes, using a low-sodium broth helps you control the salt level.

Timing

One of the greatest gifts of this Crockpot beef stew is the hands-off cooking time. Your active work is minimal, letting the appliance do the heavy lifting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (mostly unattended)

This is about 80% less active time than making a stew on the stovetop, where you need to babysit the pot. You can prep everything in the morning, set it, and forget it until dinnertime.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, flavorful Crockpot beef stew every single time.

1. Prep and Brown the Beef. Pat the beef chuck cubes very dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. In a large bowl, toss the beef with the flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding, brown the beef on all sides. You don’t need to cook it through, just develop a deep, flavorful crust. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.

2. Sauté the Aromatics. In the same skillet (don’t wash it!), add the chopped onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds layers of flavor that you just can't get by adding raw onions to the pot.

3. Deglaze and Build the Base. Pour about ½ cup of the beef broth into the hot skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits (the fond) from the bottom. This is pure flavor gold. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, then pour this entire mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

4. Combine and Cook. Add the remaining beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme to the slow cooker. Gently stir in the potatoes, carrots, and celery, nestling them into the liquid. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The beef should be extremely tender and easily shred with a fork.

5. Final Touches. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can make a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the stew, cover, and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this hearty Crockpot beef stew (approximately 1 ½ cups) provides a balanced and satisfying meal. Please note, this is an estimate.

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Fat: 16g
• Key Nutrients: This stew is an excellent source of protein from the beef, Vitamin A from the carrots, and potassium from the potatoes and broth. Using a leaner cut or trimming excess fat can adjust the numbers if you're focusing on healthy crockpot recipes.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gear to make this classic Crockpot beef stew.

• A 6-quart or larger slow cooker (Crockpot)
• A large skillet or Dutch oven (for browning)
• Cutting board and chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot beef stew earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation for so many reasons.

• The Ultimate Set-It-and-Forget-It Meal. Perfect for busy weekdays, work-from-home days, or lazy Sundays. Your future self will thank you.
• Feeds a Crowd (or Provides Amazing Leftovers). This recipe makes a generous pot that’s ideal for family dinner or meal prep. Like many great crockpot soup recipes, the flavors deepen overnight.
• Incredibly Adaptable. Use what you have! Swap vegetables, adjust herbs, make it gluten-free—this recipe is a forgiving template.
• Pure, Uncomplicated Comfort. From the tender beef to the savory gravy and soft vegetables, every bite is nostalgic and deeply satisfying. It’s simple ingredients, warm memories.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily tweak this Crockpot beef stew to fit different dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

• Lower-Carb / Keto-Friendly: Omit the potatoes and flour. Increase the carrots and celery, and add low-carb vegetables like mushrooms, radishes, or green beans. Thicken the stew at the end with a xanthan gum slurry instead of cornstarch.
• Higher-Protein: Use a leaner cut like bottom round and add an extra cup of beef broth. You can also stir in a can of drained white beans during the last hour of cooking.
• Gluten-Free: As noted, use GF flour or cornstarch for coating and thickening. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (most major brands have a GF version).
• Reduced Sodium: Use exclusively low-sodium beef broth and reduce or omit the added salt. You can boost flavor with extra herbs, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or more black pepper.

Serving Suggestions

A bowl of this stew is a complete meal, but a few thoughtful additions can make it extra special.

• The Classic: Serve it in deep bowls with a chunk of crusty bread, a biscuit, or a slice of cornbread for dipping into that rich broth.
• Over Grains: Spoon the Crockpot beef stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or a scoop of rice. It’s fantastic over barley, much like our hearty Beef Barley Soup.
• Fresh Finish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds a bright, fresh note.
• For a Cozy Night: Pair it with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small missteps can affect your stew. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Browning Step. I know it’s tempting to just dump everything in, but browning the meat creates a Maillard reaction—that’s the science behind the deep, savory flavor. Don’t skip it.
• Overcrowding the Pan When Browning. If you add all the beef at once, it will steam instead of sear. Brown in batches for the best crust.
• Cutting the Vegetables Too Small. Remember, they’ll be cooking for hours. Cut them into hearty, 1-inch pieces so they don’t turn to mush. This is a common tip for all crockpot soup recipes.
• Adding Delicate Ingredients Too Early. Peas, fresh herbs, or leafy greens should always go in during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking to retain their color and texture.
• Over-Thickening. Start with the cornstarch slurry suggested. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s turned your stew into gravy-jelly.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This Crockpot beef stew might be even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully.

• Refrigerating: Let the stew cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Portion the cooled stew into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay bags flat to freeze for easy stacking. It will keep for up to 3 months. This is a fantastic base for healthy crockpot recipes meal prep.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until bubbly. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave, covered, stirring every minute. You may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, that’s what this Crockpot beef stew is all about: gathering everyone around the table for a meal that’s been made with care, even if the actual hands-on time was short. It’s proof that the most comforting foods are often the simplest. This recipe is a keeper—a reliable, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable blueprint for a perfect comfort meal.

I hope this Crockpot beef stew becomes a cherished recipe in your home, filling your kitchen with its wonderful aroma and your family with its hearty goodness. It’s regular kitchen, regular time, great results.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below or share a photo of your cozy dinner on Pinterest and tag @StackSipSnack. And if you’re looking for more slow-cooked inspiration, check out our Crockpot Beef Vegetable Soup for a brothier option, or try a poultry-based comfort with our Slow Cooker Chicken Vegetable Stew. For those managing dietary needs, our guide to Crockpot Meals For Diabetics Slow Cooker offers great starting points for modifying recipes like this one. Happy, cozy cooking.

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