Discover the ultimate easy crockpot beef stew recipe! Tender meat, hearty vegetables, and rich gravy come together in this set-it-and-forget-it meal. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!There’s nothing quite like walking into a home filled with the rich, savory aroma of a simmering classic beef stew. It’s the hallmark of comfort food: tender chunks of beef, soft carrots, creamy potatoes, and a deeply flavorful gravy that warms you from the inside out.
And the best part? This iconic meal is incredibly easy to make, especially when you let your crockpot (or slow cooker) do all the work. This easy crockpot beef stew is a foolproof, dump-and-go recipe that yields incredible results every single time. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or any time you need a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Let’s get cooking! 👩🍳👨🍳
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
- 🤯 Incredibly Easy: Simple steps and minimal active time.
- ⏲️ Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead for lunches or dinners all week.
- 💯 Foolproof: The slow cooker guarantees tender, fall-apart beef.
- 🍎 Wholesome & Nutritious: Packed with protein and vegetables.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family Favorite: A crowd-pleaser that adults and kids adore.
Gathering Your Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
Using simple, high-quality ingredients is the secret to a stew that tastes like it simmered all day.
The Essentials:
- 2 lbs Stew Beef (Chuck Roast), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for browning)
The Aromatic Base:
- 1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
The Hearty Vegetables:
- 4 large Carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 4 stalks Celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1.5 lbs Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
The Liquid Gold (The Braising Liquid):
- 4 cups Beef Broth (use low sodium if preferred)
- 1 cup Red Wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot) – optional but highly recommended!
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 Bay Leaves
The Finishing Touch:
- 1 cup Frozen Peas
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Stew 🧭
Follow these simple steps for a stew that is bursting with flavor.
Step 1: Brown the Beef (Don’t Skip This!)
- In a large bowl or ziplock bag, toss the beef cubes with the flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side until a beautiful brown crust forms. This step is CRUCIAL for building deep, rich flavor!
- Transfer the browned beef to your crockpot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet (with all those tasty browned bits!), add a little more oil if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in about 1 cup of the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. This is pure flavor! Pour this entire mixture into the crockpot.
Step 3: The Big Combine
- To the crockpot, add the remaining beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, carrots, and potatoes.
- Gently stir everything to combine, ensuring the liquid covers most of the ingredients.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Place the lid on your crockpot and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The stew is done when the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
Step 5: The Final Touch
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. This allows them to heat through without becoming mushy.
- Optional for a thicker stew: If you prefer a thicker gravy, make a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the stew and let it cook on HIGH for the last 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the stew into deep bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This stew is perfect with:
- A thick slice of crusty bread for dipping 🥖
- Fluffy biscuits 🧁
- Buttered egg noodles 🍜
Pro Chef Tips for the Best Stew Ever ✨
- Wine Substitute: Don’t cook with wine? You can simply replace the 1 cup of wine with an additional 1 cup of beef broth.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add parsnips, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms for a different twist.
- Make it Ahead: Stew tastes even better the next day! Let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors have more time to meld together.
- Freezing Instructions: This stew freezes beautifully! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Q: Can I make this beef stew without wine?
A: Absolutely! Just substitute the wine with an equal amount of additional beef broth. The flavor will still be fantastic.
Q: Why is my beef tough in the crockpot?
A: Tough beef usually means it hasn’t cooked long enough. The connective tissue in stew meat needs time to break down into gelatin, which is what makes it tender. Always cook on LOW for the best, most tender results.
Q: Can I just throw everything in the crockpot without browning?
A: You can, but you’ll sacrifice a lot of flavor. Browning the meat (the Maillard reaction) creates complex, deep flavors that you simply can’t get from just boiling everything together. It’s worth the extra 10 minutes!
Q: How can I thicken my stew at the end?
A: The flour on the beef will thicken it somewhat. For a thicker stew, make a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water, mixed until smooth) and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
Prep time: 20 mins | Cook time: 8 hours (low) | Total time: 8 hours 20 mins | Serves: 6-8
There you have it! The ultimate, no-fail recipe for Classic Crockpot Beef Stew. It’s hearty, comforting, and everything you need for a stress-free, delicious meal.
Did you make this recipe? Tag us on social media and show us your masterpiece! We love to see your creations. 🥰
Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
