Crockpot Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort meal—a one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful masterpiece with minimal effort. Every bowl bursts with tender beef, melt-in-your-mouth vegetables, and a thick, savory broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on a busy weeknight or just want your kitchen to smell inviting all afternoon, this is the stew you’ll make again and again.

Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Beef Stew is its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce come together to create layers of flavor and rich, satisfying texture. Each ingredient brings something special to the pot, so don’t skip a thing!

Beef chuck roast: Cut into bite-sized cubes, this cut becomes wonderfully tender after hours of slow cooking—perfect for stew!
Carrots: Slice them thick, so they hold their shape and bring sweetness and color to the dish.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes add hearty texture without falling apart.
Celery: A couple of ribs chopped up lend freshness and an herbaceous note.
Yellow onion: Diced onion melts into the stew, adding depth to every spoonful.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the broth with an irresistible aroma and subtle warmth.
Beef broth: Use a good-quality, low-sodium broth as the base for a deeper, richer flavor.
Tomato paste: Just a few tablespoons add body and a savory, umami backbone.
Worcestershire sauce: A splash for that extra pop of savory and tangy complexity.
Dried thyme: This herb pairs beautifully with slow-simmered beef and veggies.
Bay leaf: Toss in one to gently perfume the stew as it cooks.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Don’t be shy—season generously to bring everything together.
Frozen peas: Stir these in at the end for a welcome bit of green and subtle sweetness.
Cornstarch (optional): For a thicker stew, mix with water and stir in near the end of cooking.

How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew

Step 1: Prep the Beef and Veggies

Start by cutting your beef into even, bite-sized pieces and patting them dry—this helps achieve better browning if you choose to sear first. Peel and chop your carrots and potatoes into hearty chunks, dice the onion, and slice the celery. Prepping everything ahead of time makes assembling the Crockpot Beef Stew absolutely effortless.

Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended)

While not required, quickly browning the beef cubes in a hot skillet until deeply caramelized adds irresistible depth and a rich, meaty flavor to your Crockpot Beef Stew. Brush off any doubts—this step only adds a few minutes and is totally worth it!

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the beef on top, then pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly—already, it’s smelling good!

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook your Crockpot Beef Stew on low for 8 hours (or on high for about 4 to 5 hours). Resist the temptation to peek too often—each minute with the lid off slows down that magical transformation. When the beef is fork-tender and the veggies are meltingly soft, it’s ready.

Step 5: Add Peas and Thicken If Desired

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the frozen peas. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a splash of cold water until smooth and stir it into the pot. Let it finish cooking until the broth is glossy and luscious.

Step 6: Remove Bay Leaf and Serve

Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf before serving—no one likes a surprise leaf in their bowl! Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then ladle your homemade Crockpot Beef Stew into bowls and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve Crockpot Beef Stew

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over each bowl of Crockpot Beef Stew adds a burst of color and a touch of herbal freshness. A grind of black pepper or a pinch of flaky sea salt gives the flavors even more pop!

Side Dishes

This stew is practically a meal on its own, but let’s be honest: nothing soaks up that glorious gravy like a slice of crusty sourdough or a warm, pillowy dinner roll. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to lighten things up.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Crockpot Beef Stew in bread bowls for something extra cozy and impressive—perfect for a casual get-together. Or ladle it into oven-proof dishes, top with puff pastry, and bake for a playful, pot-pie-inspired spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Crockpot Beef Stew cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and stash them in the fridge. The flavors get even better overnight, and it will keep well for up to four days—perfect for meal prep or a busy lunch.

Freezing

Crockpot Beef Stew freezes beautifully for busy nights ahead! Portion cooled stew into freezer-safe bags or containers (leave a bit of space for expansion), then label and freeze for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply spoon the stew into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. Or pop a single serving in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce. It tastes just as rich and comforting as the day you made it!

FAQs

Can I make Crockpot Beef Stew without searing the beef?

Absolutely! Searing adds flavor, but you’ll still have a delicious stew if you skip it. Just toss the raw beef in with the rest of the ingredients and follow the same slow-cooking instructions.

What cuts of beef work best for Crockpot Beef Stew?

Beef chuck roast is the classic choice because it becomes incredibly tender with slow cooking. You can also use stew meat, brisket, or even short ribs—just make sure to cut everything into even pieces for the best texture.

How can I make my stew thicker?

If you like a super-thick Crockpot Beef Stew, whisk together cornstarch with a splash of cold water and stir it in about half an hour before serving. Let it simmer (with the lid on) until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely—this recipe is easy to customize. Parsnips, rutabaga, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms all work perfectly. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as some veggies may soften more quickly than others.

Is Crockpot Beef Stew gluten free?

The base recipe is gluten free, as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. If thickening, use cornstarch instead of flour, and you’re good to go!

Final Thoughts

If you love meals that are both easy and soul-warming, Crockpot Beef Stew is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner into something really special, and the leftovers never disappoint. Give it a go—you’ll be ladling up comfort all season long!

Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe