Beef Stew Crock Pot: The Ultimate Comfort Food That Practically Cooks Itself

If you’ve ever wished dinner could just make itself, you’re going to fall head over heels for this beef stew crock pot recipe. There’s something soul-soothing about walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the rich aroma of slow-simmered beef, tender vegetables, and savory herbs. It’s the very definition of cozy—and bonus: your slow cooker does most of the work.

This recipe is perfect for anyone juggling a packed schedule, a hungry family, or just looking for a foolproof way to serve up a satisfying, one-pot meal. It’s everything you crave in a comfort food beef stew: hearty, flavorful, and low-effort. Just toss it in the pot, and let time do the magic.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew Crock Pot Recipe

There’s a reason this is one of the most requested dishes in my house. It’s rich, rustic, and full of love-in-a-bowl vibes. Using a crock pot means you don’t have to babysit the stove all day—just brown the beef, dump the ingredients, and go live your life. Plus, it’s an ideal crockpot dinner when you need something warm and filling without making a mess in the kitchen.

Beef Stew Crock Pot

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• Author: Olivia Hartwellen
• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Beef Stew Crock Pot is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and unbelievably easy. Tender chunks of beef, soft potatoes, and sweet carrots simmer together in a rich, savory broth, creating a meal that practically cooks itself. Perfect for busy days, family dinners, or when you just need a cozy bowl of warmth, this slow cooker beef stew delivers all the comfort with none of the fuss.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed

• 4 cups beef broth

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

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Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides for 4–5 minutes per batch, then transfer to Crock Pot.

• In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes. Add to the Crock Pot.

• Add potatoes, carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

• Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4–5 hours) until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.

• Whisk flour with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew 30 minutes before serving. Add peas if using.

• Cook covered for another 30 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

Browning the beef first adds deep flavor—don’t skip this step!

For a thicker stew, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the slurry.

You can substitute cornstarch or mashed potatoes for thickening.

Add extra veggies like celery, parsnips, or turnips for variety.

Leftovers taste even better the next day—perfect for meal prep or freezing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Main Course, Stew
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to your Crock Pot.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2–3 minutes to bring out their flavor. Add them to the Crock Pot.
3. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4–5 hours), until the beef is tender and the vegetables are melt-in-your-mouth soft.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the flour with a splash of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew, along with the peas if you’re using them.
6. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes to let the stew thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Tips for the Best Hearty Stew Recipe

• Don’t skip browning the beef—it adds deep, rich flavor that makes all the difference.
• If you like your stew extra thick, you can add another tablespoon of flour in the slurry.
• Want more veggies? Throw in chopped parsnips, turnips, or celery for extra texture.
• No flour? You can also thicken with cornstarch or mash a few of the potatoes right in the pot.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day—hello, magical flavor development!

Why This Recipe Has a Special Place in My Heart

This recipe brings back memories of chilly Sundays at home—blankets piled high, movies playing, and that unmistakable scent wafting through the house. I’d toss everything in the Crock Pot before running errands or heading to church, and by dinnertime, it was like the house had transformed into a cozy retreat. Even my picky eaters can’t resist it. It’s my go-to when I want to feed a crowd, share a meal with neighbors, or just make the kind of food that feels like a hug.

What to Serve with Crockpot Beef Stew

You can absolutely enjoy this stew solo, but if you want to round things out, try serving it with crusty bread, buttery biscuits, or a simple green salad. A warm, flaky roll is practically made for dipping into that rich, savory broth. And for dessert? Something simple and homey—maybe apple crisp or chocolate chip cookies—keeps the cozy theme going.

How to Store Leftovers

Cool the stew completely, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes like a dream—just leave a little space at the top of the container for expansion. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it thickens too much in the fridge, a splash of beef broth or water brings it right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Chuck roast or bottom round are great alternatives—just make sure to cube it before browning.

Can I skip the flour?

You can. The stew will be thinner, but still delicious. Or try thickening with cornstarch or mashing some potatoes into the broth.

Can I cook this overnight?

Absolutely. Set it on low before bed, and you’ll wake up to a house that smells like comfort. Just store it in the fridge until dinner.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Sure! Sub the beef for mushrooms or lentils, use veggie broth, and skip the browning step.

Slow Cooked to Perfection

There’s nothing quite like the rich, slow-simmered flavor of beef stew crock pot style. It’s the kind of meal that nourishes the body and warms the soul—perfect for busy days, cold nights, or anytime you need a little comfort on your plate. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with this hearty classic all over again.

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