This Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is a weeknight dinner dream come true: hearty, rich, and loaded with melt-in-your-mouth beef, tender vegetables, and a silky, savory broth. Whether you’re coming in from a chilly day or just craving a classic comfort meal, this stew will make your kitchen smell amazing and bring everyone to the table eager for a generous bowlful. You’ll love how each bite is layered with simple flavors, and best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work so you can savor the coziness with friends or family.

Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe comes from starting with a handful of straightforward, fuss-free ingredients. Each one has a special job: from building deep savory notes to adding delightful color and textural contrast. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip or explanation for every item.

Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef for extra flavor.

Boneless Beef Chuck: The best stew cut; it becomes meltingly tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
Yellow Onion: Builds the aromatic base and gentle sweetness in the stew.

Garlic: For a punch of aromatic depth that lifts the entire dish.
Yukon Gold Potatoes: They hold their shape and add a creamy bite among the veggies.

Carrots: Offer a pop of color and sweetness that balances the savory broth.
Celery: Adds a subtle savoriness and a delicate texture to every bite.
Beef Broth: Forms the soul of the stew, infusing everything with umami goodness.

Tomato Paste: Gives body and a hint of tangy richness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon ups the complexity and savory notes.
Salt: Essential to bring all the flavors together and heighten every ingredient.

Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds warmth and a subtle kick.
Cornstarch (optional): Creates a silky, thickened broth if you want your stew extra hearty.
Water (for thickening, optional): Combines with cornstarch for the perfect slurry.

How to Make Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in two batches, add half the beef cubes in a single layer, taking care not to crowd the pan. Sear the beef for about 45 seconds on each side, until it develops a deep brown crust. This simple step is your secret weapon for incredible flavor, giving the stew a rich, meaty base. Transfer the browned beef (and any pan juices) to your slow cooker, then repeat with the second batch of beef and remaining oil.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Using the same skillet with all those delicious beefy bits, add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring, until the onions are softened and start taking on a golden edge—around 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until aromatic and irresistible. Scrape it all into the slow cooker with your seared beef.

Step 3: Load in the Veggies and Broth

Into the slow cooker, toss in your diced potatoes, carrots, and celery. Pour in the beef broth, then add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Give the pot a generous hit of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and make sure those veggies are nestled down into the broth. If you like, place a couple of bay leaves on top for extra flavor (just remember to take them out before serving!).

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to low for a full 10 hours—this gentle method is what makes the Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe so unbelievably tender. If you’re in a hurry, high heat for 4 to 5 hours will still yield a fantastic stew, but the long low simmer is where the real magic happens. Resist the temptation to peek too often—the aromatic payoff at the end is totally worth it!

Step 5: Thicken the Broth (Optional)

Shortly before you’re ready to eat, if you prefer a thick, glossy stew, simply whisk together cornstarch and cold water to make a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into your bubbling stew and cover again. Let it cook on high for another 10 to 15 minutes; you’ll see the broth take on a beautiful, hearty thickness that coats every spoonful perfectly.

How to Serve Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brings a vibrant freshness and a bit of color that really makes bowls of Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe pop. For extra coziness, add a grind of black pepper or even a little shaved parmesan just before serving.

Side Dishes

This stew is extremely satisfying on its own, but it absolutely shines with something to dunk or scoop. Warm, crusty bread, flakey buttermilk biscuits, or even a fluffy pile of mashed potatoes on the side will help mop up every last savory drop. If you want something lighter, a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette balances the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling your Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe into hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, fun touch. Serve it in deep mugs for cozy porch evenings, or make mini portions in ramekins at a party. You can even top with a hearty sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and pop under the broiler for a melty finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavors often get even better as they mingle and mellow overnight.

Freezing

This stew is a fantastic freezer meal! Spoon cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll stay delicious for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Warm the stew gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. For a microwave option, use a microwave-safe dish covered loosely, stirring halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. If the stew thickens up, just add a splash of beef broth or water to bring it back to its perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I skip browning the beef to save time?

You can skip it, but I highly recommend not to! Browning the beef at the start creates rich layers of flavor that truly set this Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe apart from others. That extra five minutes brings incredible depth to every bite.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative! Parsnips, rutabaga, baby bella mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes work beautifully in this stew. Just keep the veggie pieces similar in size for the most even cooking.

Can I make Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten free, especially if you skip the optional cornstarch, or use a certified gluten-free version. Double check your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to be sure if you’re serving to someone with a gluten sensitivity.

What if I don’t have Yukon Gold potatoes?

You can use red potatoes, baby potatoes, or classic russet potatoes instead—just peel or scrub them and dice into bite-sized chunks. Each variety brings its own subtle texture to the Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Certainly! While chuck roast is the classic choice, stew meat or brisket also work. Just remember: cuts with a bit of marbling and connective tissue break down beautifully during long, slow cooking, giving you that signature tender, shreddable stew beef.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is the ultimate cozy dinner—big on flavor, simple to make, and endlessly comforting. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and let it become a new favorite in your home, too. There’s just nothing like coming home to the aroma of homemade beef stew wafting through the house. Enjoy every spoonful!

Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes (on low)

Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Warm up with this comforting and hearty Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and savory flavors that will satisfy your whole family.

Instructions

Sear the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear the beef cubes until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, cook onion and garlic until softened and fragrant. Add to the slow cooker.
Combine Ingredients: Add potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well and place bay leaves on top.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.

Thicken (optional): Create a slurry with cornstarch and water. Stir into the stew and cook until thickened before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can add red wine or beef stock to the stew.
This stew freezes well, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy days.

Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs and spices for added depth of flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high

Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 5g

Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g

Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g

Fiber: 4g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Beef Stew, Crockpot Recipe, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker, Easy Dinner