Beef Stew Recipe - Tender Beef, Potatoes, Carrots, and Onions in a Hearty Broth

If there’s one dish that was practically made for the slow cooker, it’s beef stew. Using a crockpot for beef stew not only frees up your time, but it also results in an incredibly tender and flavorful dish.

Imagine coming home to the aroma of slow-cooked beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a rich, savory broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food and couldn’t be easier to prepare.

The beauty of crockpot beef stew is that it requires minimal hands-on time. Simply toss everything in, set it, and let the crockpot work its magic.

Plus, you can easily tweak the recipe based on what you have on hand or to suit your taste. Let’s dive into how to make this classic beef stew using your crockpot!

Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

This crockpot beef stew recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that create a deliciously satisfying meal.

It’s perfect for meal-prepping too, as it tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (or substitute with more broth)
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3-4 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Optional Step - Sear the Beef: If you want an extra layer of flavor, start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour. Add olive oil to the pan and sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step is optional but highly recommended. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crockpot.
2. Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes to the crockpot. Place the seared (or raw) beef on top.
3. Mix the Broth and Seasonings: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot.
4. Set the Crockpot: Cover 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. Check for Doneness: Remove the bay leaf and taste the stew, adjusting the salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Garnish: Serve your crockpot beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It’s delicious on its own or with a side of crusty bread.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Stew

• Sear for Extra Flavor: While it’s optional, searing the beef before adding it to the crockpot brings out deeper flavors.
• Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes hold up well and add a nice texture to the stew.
• Don’t Rush It: For the most tender beef, the low setting on the crockpot is ideal, as it allows the meat to break down over time.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you like a thicker stew, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last hour of cooking.

Why Crockpot Beef Stew is So Convenient

This crockpot beef stew is perfect for busy days when you need a set-it-and-forget-it meal. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a warm, hearty dinner waiting for you at the end of the day.

Plus, the slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a rich, comforting beef stew that’s hard to beat.

So next time you’re looking for an easy dinner idea, give this crockpot beef stew a try. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite!