Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of hearty beef stew? This recipe is an absolute winner, packed with tender meat, rich gravy, and loads of healthy veggies. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to throw together in a crock pot. Whether you’re a busy bee needing an easy dinner or someone looking to enjoy a cozy, home-cooked meal, this beef stew has got you covered!
Quick Glance at This Delicious Stew
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: As little as 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 hearty bowls
- Skill Level: “Even if you’ve never touched a slow cooker—you’ve got this!”
Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the aroma of tender beef, savory gravy, and veggies so soft they melt on your tongue. This crock pot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food with ZERO fuss—perfect for busy days, cozy nights, or impressing your family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless magic: Dump ingredients, press start, and let the crock pot work its charm.
- Rich, velvety gravy that clings to every bite (no store-bought broth needed!).
- Customizable for gluten-free, ranch lovers, or health-conscious cooks.
- Freezer-friendly—make a double batch for future lazy dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple staples:
- Beef stew meat (chuck roast works wonders!)
- Carrots, potatoes, and onions
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Beef broth (or swap with beer for depth!)
- Tomato paste + Worcestershire sauce
- Flour or cornstarch (for gluten-free)
- Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves
📝 Note: Measurements and full details are in the recipe card below!
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Crock Pot: A reliable slow cooker is key.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping veggies with ease.
- Heavy-bottomed Skillet: To sear the meat evenly.
Instructions (So Simple, You’ll Smile)
Want to see this stew recipe in step-by-step? Check out this YouTube video tutorial in the Recipe Card section!
- Prep the Veggies:
Chop your carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. Mince the garlic. Prepping everything before you start cooking makes the process smoother! - Sear the Beef:
Optional but recommended for extra flavor. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the stew meat on all sides, then transfer it to your crock pot. - Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot:
Add all the chopped veggies to the crock pot along with the seared beef. Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the bay leaves and your dried herbs. Season with salt and pepper. - Set It and Forget It:
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Your home will be filled with the most amazing aroma! - Thicken the Gravy (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. - Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the bay leaves and serve the stew hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish if you like.
Pro Tips for Stew Success
- Skip the sear? No problem! Your stew will still taste amazing.
- Layer wisely: Keep potatoes submerged to prevent browning.
- Low-sodium hack: Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt to taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic comfort: Serve with crusty bread for dipping. 🥖
- Mashed potato base: Spoon stew over creamy mashed potatoes. 🥔
- Fresh finish: Top with parsley or grated Parmesan for brightness.
Mix It Up! Variations to Try
- Ranch twist: Add 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix for a tangy kick.
- Healthy boost: Toss in extra celery, peas, or kale.
- Beer lover’s stew: Replace 1 cup broth with dark beer (like Guinness).
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into containers and freeze for 3 months. Thaw overnight, then reheat on the stove.
Crock Pot Beef Stew
This crock pot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food with ZERO fuss—perfect for busy days, cozy nights, or impressing your family
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ cup flour or cornstarch (for gluten-free)
Instructions
Prep the Veggies:
- Chop your carrots, potatoes, onions, and celery. Mince the garlic. Prepping everything before you start cooking makes the process smoother!
Sear the Beef:
- Optional but recommended for extra flavor. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the stew meat on all sides, then transfer it to your crock pot.
Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot:
- Add all the chopped veggies to the crock pot along with the seared beef. Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the bay leaves and your dried herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
Set It and Forget It:
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Your home will be filled with the most amazing aroma!
Thicken the Gravy (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the bay leaves and serve the stew hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish if you like.
Video
Notes
- Gluten-free? Use cornstarch and gluten-free Worcestershire.
- For ranch flavor, add 1 tbsp ranch seasoning with herbs.
This stew is like a warm hug in a bowl—comforting, nourishing, and utterly satisfying. Whether it’s a hectic weekday or a lazy Sunday, let your crock pot do the heavy lifting. Don’t forget to leave a comment when you make it.
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