Crockpot Beef Stew

close up shot of beef stew in a crockpot

This easy beef stew crockpot recipe makes a healthy and flavorsome beef stew with tender chunks of meat and vegetables in a thick and tasty gravy.

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Table of Contents

What makes this the Best Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
What you'll need for Beef Stew in Crock Pot
How to make Beef Stew in Crock Pot
How to serve this Easy Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe
Storing the Best Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Beef Stew Recipe Crock Pot FAQs
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This hearty Crockpot beef stew with gravy is the perfect winter comfort food. Loaded with tasty beef, chunky potatoes, and carrots, it’s so easy to make in your slow cooker.

If you don’t have a Crockpot or slow cooker, we also have recipes for Instant Pot beef stew and beef stew to make on the stovetop.

MORE CROCKPOT RECIPES:
Crockpot Crack Chicken | Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops

What makes this the Best Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

The combination of hearty ingredients and the ease of preparation sets this crockpot beef stew apart. The tender chunks of beef, slowly cooked with a mix of fresh vegetables, infuse the stew with rich, savory flavors that meld beautifully over time. The use of simple, wholesome ingredients ensures that every bite is not only delicious but also nutritious. Plus, the convenience of the crockpot means you can set it and forget it, returning hours later to a perfectly cooked, comforting meal that feels like it’s been simmering on the stove all day.

What you’ll need for Beef Stew in Crock Pot

beef stew raw ingredients that are labeled

You will need:

2 to 3 pounds of stew meat
Salt and pepper
5 to 6 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into even chunks
4 carrots, peeled and chopped into even chunks
1 package of dry onion soup mix
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
32 ounce box of beef broth
6 ounce can of tomato paste
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
3 bay leaves
¼ cup of flour

Beef Stew Crock Pot substitutions and additions

Stew Meat: To make a vegetarian or vegan version of this beef stew, the best meat alternative would be seitan.

Beef Broth: You can substitute this with beef stock, bouillon, or vegetable broth if needed.

Tomato Paste: You could use tomato sauce in a pinch, but you’ll need to use three times as much and you may need a little more flour to thicken the stew.

Worcestershire Sauce: If you don’t have this, try balsamic vinegar or barbecue sauce.

Flour: To make this Crockpot beef stew gluten-free, use cornstarch or arrowroot for thickening.

Vegetables: Slow cooker stews are a great way to use up leftover veggies, so feel free to throw in some peas, green beans, celery, onion, mushrooms, parsnips, or whatever you have in the fridge.

Red Wine: Adding a cup of red wine will give this beef stew some extra flavor.

How to make Beef Stew in Crock Pot

STEP ONE: Add all the ingredients, except the flour, to the Crockpot.

STEP TWO: Cook on high for 5 to 6 hours.

PRO TIP: To cook the stew overnight or while you’re at work, use the low setting for 8 to 10 hours.

STEP THREE: In the last half hour, take out a half cup of broth and mix it with the flour to make a roux.

STEP FOUR: Pour the roux into the stew and cook for another 30 minutes.

PRO TIP: If the stew is still too watery add more flour, a little at a time to thicken.

STEP FIVE: Remove the bay leaves.

STEP SIX: Serve with crusty bread, dumplings, or your choice of vegetables.

PRO TIP: If you’re not ready to eat, you can leave the Crockpot on warm for a further hour or so if needed.

How to serve this Easy Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe

Pair this stew with a slice of crusty bread or a soft dinner roll to soak up the flavorful juices. For a heartier meal, serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or a side of buttered noodles. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Storing the Best Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

IN THE FRIDGE: Beef stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

IN THE FREEZER: Beef stew freezes well for up to three months. If you plan to make this dish to freeze, it’s best to add the flour when reheating to prevent the stew from separating.

Crockpot beef stew is the perfect homemade food for busy families. It’s a great feeling to return home to the smell of your dinner which has cooked itself while you’ve been gone! Beef stew becomes even tastier when it’s reheated, so don’t be afraid to make more than you need.

Beef Stew Recipe Crock Pot FAQs

Do you have to brown stew meat before putting it in the crock pot?

While it’s not strictly necessary to brown stew meat before putting it in the crockpot, it will significantly enhance the flavor. Browning the meat creates a caramelized crust that adds depth and richness to the stew. It also helps to seal in the juices, ensuring the meat remains tender and moist during the slow cooking process. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, and the stew will still be delicious. However, for the best results and a more robust flavor, taking a few extra minutes to brown the meat is well worth the effort.

What is the secret to tender beef stew?

The secret to tender beef stew lies in the cooking method and the cut of meat used. Slow cooking at a low temperature allows the tough connective tissues in the beef to break down gradually, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Using cuts of meat like chuck roast or beef stew meat, which have more marbling and connective tissue, also contributes to a tender and flavorful stew. Additionally, ensuring the meat is well-seared before slow cooking can enhance the overall taste and texture.

Is it better to cook stew on low or high in slow cooker?

It is generally better to cook stew on low in a slow cooker. Cooking on low allows the ingredients to simmer gently over a longer period, which helps to tenderize the meat and develop rich, deep flavors. The slow, steady heat ensures that the tough connective tissues in the meat break down completely, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. While cooking on high can reduce the cooking time, it might not achieve the same level of tenderness and flavor complexity as the low setting. For the best results, patience is key—cooking your stew on low is the way to go.

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Easy Beef Stew (Crockpot)

5 from 10 votes

This easy beef stew crockpot recipe makes a healthy and flavorsome beef stew with tender chunks of meat and vegetables in a thick and tasty gravy.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 15

Servings

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Ingredients

2 to 3 lb beef stew
salt and pepper to taste
5 to 6 medium potatoes peeled and chopped into even chunks
4 carrots peeled and chopped into even chunks
1 package dry onion soup mix
1 tbsp garlic minced
32 oz box beef broth
6 oz can tomato paste
1 tbsp worcestershine sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
3 bay leaves
1/4 cup flour

Instructions

Add all the ingredients, except the flour, to the Crockpot.
Cook on high for 5 to 6 hours.
Tip: To cook the stew overnight or while you’re at work, use the low setting for 8 to 10 hours.
In the last half hour, take out a half cup of broth and mix it with the flour to make a roux.
Pour the roux back into the stew and cook for another 30 minutes.
Tip: If the stew is still too watery, add more flour, a little at a time to thicken.
Remove the bay leaves.
Serve with crusty bread, dumplings, or your choice of vegetables.
Tip: If you’re not ready to eat, you can leave the Crockpot on warm for a further hour or so if needed.

Nutrition

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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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Sian Cox Photographer
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Best Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe