Beef stew made in a crock pot is the perfect comfort food, especially on chilly days. It’s all about tender chunks of beef, soft potatoes, carrots, and onions slow-cooked in a flavorful broth until everything melts in your mouth. The slow cooking helps all the flavors come together in the best possible way, making each bite rich and satisfying.
I really love making beef stew in the crock pot because it’s so easy to prepare. I usually toss all the ingredients in the pot in the morning, set it to low, and come back hours later to a warm, hearty meal. It’s one of those recipes that requires very little hands-on time but really delivers big on taste. Plus, it fills the whole house with an amazing smell that’s impossible to ignore.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this beef stew is with a slice of fresh bread or over a scoop of mashed potatoes. It makes for a perfect, cozy dinner after a long day. I always find that leftovers taste just as good—sometimes even better—when the flavors have had more time to blend. It’s a dish that feels like a big, comforting hug in a bowl, and I’m pretty sure everyone who tries it will agree.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef chuck: This cut is great for slow cooking because it gets tender and flavorful. If you can’t find chuck, try brisket or short ribs instead. They also work well in stews.
Root vegetables: Carrots and potatoes are classic stew veggies. You can swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or parsnips for a slightly different taste and texture.
Tomato paste & sauce: These add depth and a rich base to the stew. If you prefer less tomato flavor, reduce the amount or use just beef broth with some Worcestershire sauce for a more beef-forward taste.
Herbs & seasoning: Dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves add lovely earthiness. Fresh herbs work too—just add them toward the end of cooking for best flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
How Do You Get the Beef Tender and Full of Flavor in the Crock Pot?
Searing the beef before slow cooking is key. It locks in juices and adds a delicious browned flavor.
- Heat oil and brown beef in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
- Don’t rush this step—it makes a big difference in taste and texture.
- Use the same pan to sauté onions and garlic and deglaze with broth, scraping up tasty browned bits.
- This mix adds more flavor to the crock pot.
- Cook low and slow for tender meat—7-8 hours on low is best.
Following these tips will give you melt-in-your-mouth beef with rich, deep flavors every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot/slow cooker – This is essential for cooking the stew low and slow, making the beef tender and flavorful.
- Large skillet – Use this to sear the beef and sauté onions, which adds a deeper flavor to your stew.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – For chopping vegetables and cutting the beef into cubes easily.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your pots.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To keep your seasoning and liquids just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef chuck for lamb stew meat for a different rich, hearty flavor that works well with rosemary and thyme.
- Add chopped mushrooms for an earthier note and extra texture that pairs nicely with the beef.
- Mix in pearl onions or frozen peas in the last 30 minutes for a pop of sweetness and color.
- Stir in a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to boost the depth of flavor in the broth.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This beef stew takes about 20 minutes to prep including browning the beef, then you’ll let the crock pot do its magic for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high until everything is tender and full of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper. Sear them in batches until they’re browned all over, about 3-4 minutes per batch. This locks in flavor! Then transfer the browned beef to your crock pot.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring well. Pour in a little beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits. Pour this mixture over the beef in the crock pot.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients:
Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, tomato sauce, remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves into the crock pot. Stir everything gently to combine well.
4. Slow Cook the Stew:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender and the vegetables cooked through.
5. (Optional) Thicken the Stew:
About 30 minutes before serving, if you like your stew thicker, mix the all-purpose flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew, cover again, and let it cook until it thickens slightly.
6. Finish and Serve:
Remove the bay leaves. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This helps the meat cook evenly and prevents it from becoming tough.
Can I Prepare the Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble all the ingredients in the crock pot insert the night before and refrigerate it. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature a bit before cooking to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Beef Stew?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heat distribution.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Stew?
Yes! Feel free to add mushrooms, celery, peas, or green beans to customize the stew to your liking. Just add softer vegetables like peas towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
