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When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of beef stew. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is the ultimate dish to fill your home with cozy aromas and your belly with satisfaction.

This recipe is as simple as it is delicious, making it perfect for busy families, first-time cooks, or anyone who wants a low-maintenance yet incredibly rewarding meal.

closeup image of a spoonful of crockpot beef stew easy

Table of Contents

Why Choose Crock Pot Meals?

Crock pot meals have a charm of their own, and for good reason! They’re convenient, reliable, and perfect for multitaskers. Imagine throwing everything into a slow cooker in the morning and coming home to a fully cooked, flavorful dinner.

With minimal effort, the slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in tender meat and rich, well-developed flavors.

Plus, crock pot recipes are incredibly forgiving—you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to make magic happen!

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew

Making beef stew in a crock pot is simple, but a few small steps can elevate your dish from good to great. Here are some tips to help you master this recipe:

Sear the Beef First (If You Have Time): While you can toss the beef straight into the crock pot, searing it first adds a layer of deep, caramelized flavor that takes your stew to the next level.
Layer Wisely: Place the sturdier vegetables, like potatoes and carrots, at the bottom of the crock pot where they’ll cook the longest. Softer ingredients like peas should be added toward the end of cooking.
Don’t Skip the Seasonings: Slow cooking can sometimes mute flavors, so be generous with herbs and spices. Adding Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste ensures a flavorful, savory broth.
Thicken the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Let It Rest: Once the stew is done, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to fully meld and the stew to cool slightly for the best eating experience.

beef stew simmering in a crockpot, surrounded by fresh vegetables i a cozy kitchen setting

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Beef Stew

This beef stew is a complete meal on its own, but you can make it even more special with a few thoughtful sides:

Serve with Fresh Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread or buttery dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up the savory broth.
Add a Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
Top It Off: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.

Recipe Variations to Keep Things Interesting

One of the best things about Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is how versatile it can be. With just a few tweaks, you can tailor it to suit your preferences or make use of what you have on hand:

Change the Protein: Swap beef for chicken thighs, pork shoulder, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a different take.
Experiment with Vegetables: Add parsnips, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
Spice It Up: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to coat the beef and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

bowl of crockpot beef stew on a wooden table, artisan bread on the side

Storage Tips for Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them properly will ensure you can enjoy this stew later:

Refrigerate: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days.
Freeze: For longer storage, place cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat Gently: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to preserve the texture of the meat and vegetables.

Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew

Recipe by Jessie

Course: MainDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and effortless to make! Packed with tender chunks of beef, wholesome vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s a one-pot wonder that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

2 lbs pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 Tbsp olive oil
4 c beef broth
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
4 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 c frozen peas
2 Tbsp cornstarch
4 Tbsp water
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add beef cubes to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
Sear the beef (optional): In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef cubes in batches, searing each side until browned (about 2-3 minutes per side). Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker.
Add diced onion and celery on top of the beef.
Layer the carrots and potatoes over the onions and celery. Add the bay leaves on top.
In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, rosemary, and thyme.
Pour the broth mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the stew to thicken the broth to your desired consistency (you may not need to use all of it).
Cover and continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes.
Remove bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread if desired.

A Meal You’ll Make Again and Again

With its rich flavors, tender meat, and comforting warmth, Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is bound to become a family favorite. The simplicity of the crock pot method makes it an ideal recipe for busy days, while its versatility ensures you’ll never tire of it.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or something special to share with friends, this beef stew hits all the right notes.

Before you leave, make sure to check out our some of our other classic comfort recipes!

closeup of a bowl full of crockpot beef stew

crockpot beef stew in a ceramic bowl, with red wine and candlelight for an intimate dinner setting

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Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew: A Hearty, Stress-Free Comfort Meal

Why Choose Crock Pot Meals?

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Beef Stew

Recipe Variations to Keep Things Interesting

Storage Tips for Leftovers