Crockpot Beef Stew

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This hearty Crockpot Beef Stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Packed with tender beef, vegetables, and rich flavors, it's easy to prepare and lets your slow cooker do all the work!

Olivia Martin

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2025-12-19T16:06:01.147Z

This Crockpot Beef Stew is a family favorite, providing warmth and satisfaction on cold winter nights. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a dish that's sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Tender beef that melts in your mouth
  • Rich, savory broth packed with flavor
  • Convenient one-pot meal with minimal cleanup

A Perfect Choice for Busy Days

Crockpot Beef Stew is the ultimate solution for those hectic days when you want a warm, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply prep the ingredients in the morning, set your slow cooker, and let it do all the work while you go about your day. By the time you return home, the rich aroma will greet you, and a delicious meal will be ready to enjoy.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a nourishing stew that fills your home with delightful scents. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can achieve deep, rich flavors without needing to stand over the stove constantly. It's a win-win for both taste and convenience!

Customize to Your Taste

One of the best things about Crockpot Beef Stew is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Add in some green beans, peas, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. The options are endless, allowing you to tailor the stew to suit your family's preferences.

You can also adjust the seasoning to elevate the taste further. Consider adding a splash of red wine for depth, or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper for a hint of heat. This recipe is forgiving, so don't hesitate to make it your own and create a dish that your loved ones will rave about.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, you'll be pleased to know that Crockpot Beef Stew stores remarkably well. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to label your containers with the date for easy tracking.

When you're ready to enjoy the stew again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it's too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. This stew often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Stew

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

In a large bowl, season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches until nicely seared on all sides. Transfer the beef to the crockpot.

Add the Vegetables

Add the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crockpot with the beef.

Mix the Broth

In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetables in the crockpot.

Cook the Stew

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Serve

Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade beef stew!

Nutritional Benefits

Crockpot Beef Stew is not just delicious; it also packs a nutritional punch. Beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins, making it a great choice for energy and muscle health. The addition of vegetables like carrots and potatoes provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to a balanced diet.

This hearty meal is especially beneficial during the colder months when our bodies crave warmth and nourishment. The combination of protein and carbohydrates offers sustained energy, making it a perfect meal option for busy families or anyone looking to refuel after a long day.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement your Crockpot Beef Stew, consider serving it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls. These sides are perfect for soaking up the rich broth and add a delightful texture to your meal. A simple side salad can also provide a fresh contrast to the hearty stew, enhancing your dining experience.

If you're in the mood for a beverage, a glass of robust red wine pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the stew. Alternatively, a light beer can also be a refreshing choice. Whatever you choose, these pairings will elevate your meal and make it even more enjoyable.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but fresh vegetables will yield a better texture and flavor.

→ How do I thicken the stew?

To thicken the stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew 30 minutes before serving.

→ Can I make this stew in advance?

Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with beef stew?

This beef stew pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or a simple green salad.

Crockpot Beef Stew

This hearty Crockpot Beef Stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. Packed with tender beef, vegetables, and rich flavors, it's easy to prepare and lets your slow cooker do all the work!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration480 minutes
Overall Time500 minutes

Created by: Olivia Martin

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 6 servings

What You'll Need

For the Stew

  1. 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  2. 4 cups beef broth
  3. 4 medium carrots, sliced
  4. 4 medium potatoes, diced
  5. 1 medium onion, chopped
  6. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 2 tbsp tomato paste
  8. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  9. 1 tsp dried thyme
  10. 1 tsp dried rosemary
  11. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches until nicely seared on all sides. Transfer the beef to the crockpot.

Step 02

Add the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crockpot with the beef.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetables in the crockpot.

Step 04

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 05

Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 25g