Crockpot Beef Stew

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew
4. How To Serve Beef Stew in a Crock Pot
5. Why You'll Love This Beef Stew Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

This hearty crockpot beef stew packs big flavor with tender meat, potatoes, and veggies all in one easy dish. Everything simmers low and slow, making your house smell amazing all day. This is pure comfort food that's perfect for chilly nights or lazy weekends. Serve it with warm bread and watch it disappear fast.

This crockpot beef stew recipe is super easy to make—just follow the step-by-step guide below. We include photos, directions, pro tips, and tricks to help you get it right the first time. Plus, we answer the most frequently asked questions so you know exactly what to expect.

You can throw together this crockpot beef stew in just fifteen minutes, then let it cook low and slow all day. It’s packed with juicy beef, hearty potatoes, and tender veggies that make every bite warm and cozy.

This easy beef stew works great for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners. It stands out because it’s simple, filling, and full of classic homemade flavor.

What you'll need to make this crockpot beef stew recipe:

• 2 to 3 pounds of stew meat
• Salt and pepper 
• 5 to 6 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into even chunks 
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped into even chunks 
• 1 package of dry onion soup mix 
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic 
• 32 ounce box of beef broth 
• 6 ounce can of tomato paste 
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce 
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme 
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary 
• 3 bay leaves 
• ¼ cup of flour 

Give your beef crockpot stew a new twist by swapping ingredients and tossing in extra flavor! These easy changes add something special every time. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes or red potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor in your crockpot beef stew.
• Add Mushrooms: Toss in sliced mushrooms for extra flavor and a hearty boost that works great with the beef.
• Substitute Beef Broth: Try using vegetable or chicken broth if you don’t have beef broth on hand.
• Add Green Beans: Stir in green beans during the last hour for a pop of color and fresh taste.
• Substitute Onion Soup Mix: Swap in your favorite seasoning blend or bouillon cubes if you're out of onion soup mix.

Follow along with our step-by-step photos and clear instructions to make this slowcooker beef stew with ease. Check out the tips and tricks below so everything turns out just right. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Add all the ingredients, except the flour, to the Crockpot.

SECOND STEP: Cook on high for 5 to 6 hours.

THIRD STEP: In the last half hour, take out a half cup of broth and mix it with the flour to make a roux.

FOURTH STEP: Pour the roux into the stew and cook for another 30 minutes.

FIFTH STEP: Remove the bay leaves.

SIXTH STEP: Serve with crusty bread, dumplings, or your choice of vegetables.

This beef stew recipe makes a cozy dinner for all kinds of occasions. It’s easy to serve, totally kid-friendly, and perfect year-round.

• Serve for busy weeknights: This hearty stew is a lifesaver on cold, hectic nights when you need dinner fast. Everyone loves it with cheesy corn casserole or chicken crescent rolls.
• Serve at family gatherings or potlucks: It feeds a crowd and stays warm in the crock pot, so it works great for sharing. Pair it with million dollar mac and cheese or pigs in a blanket.
• Serve during fall and winter: Cooler days call for warm, filling comfort food, and this stew hits the spot. Try it with slow cooker apple brownies or pumpkin banana bread.

Crockpot beef stew has earned its spot as a reader favorite for lots of good reasons. It’s cozy, easy, and always hits the mark. Whether you're cooking for your family or feeding a crowd, this stew makes dinner simple and stress-free.

• Easy to Prep: You only need 15 minutes to toss everything in and let the crockpot do the rest.
• Great for Busy Days: It cooks all day while you handle life, then dinner’s ready when you are.
• Full of Comfort: The beef turns tender, the broth stays rich, and the veggies soak up tons of flavor.
• Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters go back for seconds with this cozy and familiar meal.
• Works Year-Round: Cold nights, rainy days, or lazy Sundays—it always fits the mood.
• Feeds the Family: This recipe makes a big batch, so you’ll have plenty for dinner and maybe lunch, too.
• Trusted by Readers: Time and again, readers tell us how this recipe turns out just right every time.

This crockpot beef stew keeps things easy, hearty, and reliable—just the way we all like it.

Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot adds richer flavor and helps seal in the juices.

Can I skip the onion soup mix in this crockpot beef stew?
No, the onion soup mix adds key flavor. If needed, use a similar dry seasoning blend with onion and herbs.

How long should I cook crockpot beef stew on low?
Cook your crockpot beef stew on low for eight to ten hours until the beef turns tender and vegetables are soft.

Can I cook this beef stew on high instead of low?
Yes, cook the beef stew on high for four to five hours if you’re short on time but want great results.

What kind of beef should I use for crockpot beef stew?
Use chuck roast or stew meat. Both types work well and become tender after hours of slow cooking in the crockpot.

Do I need to stir the stew while it cooks?
No, you don’t need to stir the stew while it cooks. Just cover it, set the time, and let it go.

Can I add frozen vegetables to crockpot beef stew?
Yes, you can add frozen vegetables during the last hour so they don’t get too soft while cooking.

Why does my stew look thin at the end of cooking?
If your beef stew looks thin, let it cook uncovered for thirty minutes to thicken, or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

Do I peel the potatoes before adding them to the stew?
Yes, peeling the potatoes helps them stay soft and smooth after long cooking. Cut them into evenly sized chunks.

Can I use baby carrots in crockpot beef stew?
Yes, baby carrots work great in crockpot beef stew. They hold their shape and save prep time.

Can I serve crockpot beef stew in bread bowls?
Yes, bread bowls make a fun and tasty option. They hold the stew well and soak up all that savory broth.

Is crockpot beef stew a good meal for kids?
Yes, kids love the soft veggies and tender beef. Just cut everything smaller to make it easier for them to eat.

Should I serve crockpot beef stew with anything on the side?
No extras are needed, but crusty bread or rolls help soak up the rich broth and make it more filling.

What’s a good way to plate crockpot beef stew for dinner guests?
Ladle the stew into shallow bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a simple but cozy presentation.

Can I serve crockpot beef stew during warmer months?
Yes, serve smaller portions with light sides in spring or summer. It still works great for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Follow these simple directions, tips, and tricks to store your crockpot beef stew the right way. You’ll keep the beef tender and the broth rich while making it easy to enjoy later. Let the stew cool before storing and always use airtight containers for best results.

How should I store leftover crockpot beef stew?
Spoon cooled stew into an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

Can I freeze crockpot beef stew for later?
Yes, you can freeze cooled beef stew in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to three months.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen beef stew?
Place the frozen stew in the fridge overnight so it thaws slowly and stays safe to eat.

How do I reheat beef stew on the stove?
Pour the stew into a pot and heat over medium, stirring now and then, until everything is warm.

Can I reheat crockpot beef stew in the microwave?
Yes, reheat the stew in the microwave using thirty-second bursts. Stir between rounds until it’s hot all the way through.

Should I add liquid when reheating leftover stew?
Yes, add a splash of broth or water if the stew thickened too much. This helps keep the texture just right.