Name: Crockpot Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs stew beef (chuck roast, cut into chunks); 4 Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 4 carrots, sliced; 3 celery stalks, sliced; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 4 cups beef broth or stock; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Crockpot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of tender beef and vegetables that have simmered low and slow until perfectly melded. I love how everything goes into the slow cooker in the morning and by dinner time, I’m rewarded with a warm, flavorful stew that tastes like I’ve been cooking all day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly low-effort and always delivers big results. The beef becomes fall-apart tender, the vegetables are perfectly soft but not mushy, and the broth turns into a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread. It’s the kind of meal I turn to when I want something cozy, filling, and foolproof. Crockpot Beef Stew

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Stew beef (chuck roast, cut into chunks)
Potatoes (Yukon gold or russet, peeled and diced)
Carrots (sliced)
Celery (sliced)
Yellow onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Tomato paste
Worcestershire sauce
Beef broth or stock
Dried thyme
Bay leaf
Salt and black pepper
Cornstarch + water (for thickening, optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I start by searing the beef in a hot skillet for added flavor, but I skip this step if I’m short on time.
I add all the ingredients—beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper—into the crockpot.
I stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
If I want a thicker stew, I mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
I remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep, then cooks for 8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high.

Variations

Sometimes I add peas or green beans during the last hour of cooking for extra color. I’ve also added mushrooms or used sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. For a richer flavor, I add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar. When I want a full meal in one pot, I serve it over rice or egg noodles.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. It also freezes well—just cool it completely, portion it out, and freeze for up to 3 months. Crockpot Beef Stew

FAQs

Can I skip browning the beef?

Yes, I’ve made it without browning, and it’s still delicious. Searing adds more flavor, but it’s not essential for a great stew.

What’s the best cut of beef for stew?

I like using chuck roast—it’s marbled and becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking.

Can I make this without potatoes?

Yes, I’ve swapped potatoes for parsnips, turnips, or even extra carrots when I want a lower-carb version.

How do I thicken the broth?

I mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving. It thickens up nicely without getting lumpy.

Can I cook it overnight?

I usually don’t recommend cooking overnight unless I can switch it to the warm setting once it’s done. Otherwise, I prep everything the night before and start cooking in the morning.

Conclusion

Crockpot beef stew is everything I want in a cozy dinner—rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. I love how easy it is to throw together and how comforting it feels after a long day. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal to enjoy throughout the week, this stew is always a favorite in my kitchen.