This Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what cozy nights and comfort food dreams are made of. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory, aromatic broth all simmer together until every bite melts in your mouth. This dish isn’t just easy to throw together—it’s soul-warming, fuss-free, and guaranteed to be a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for busy days ahead, this slow-cooker classic brings both deep flavor and a sense of home to every bowl.

Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about uncomplicated ingredients coming together to create something special. Each element in this Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe adds its own flavor, texture, or pop of color, making it both delicious and beautiful. Here’s why these ingredients matter:

Beef chuck: This cut turns wonderfully tender after hours in the slow cooker, giving the stew its rich, meaty backbone.
All-purpose flour: Coating the beef with flour helps thicken the stew to just the right consistency.
Salt: Essential for drawing out and amplifying all the savory flavors in the stew.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat to balance the stew’s heartiness.
Olive oil: Used to sear the beef for that delicious, caramelized exterior.
Beef broth: The liquid base that infuses meat and veggies with a deep, beefy savoriness.
Tomato paste: Brings a touch of acidity and richness, rounding out the stew’s depth.
Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash adds umami and a little tang.
Dried thyme: This herb gives an earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with beef and root veggies.
Garlic cloves (minced): Adds warmth and a hint of sweetness as it cooks down.
Carrots (sliced): These provide a subtle sweetness and a cheerful pop of color.
Potatoes (peeled and diced): They soak up all the savory goodness and make the stew extra hearty.
Celery stalks (sliced): For aromatic crunch that balances the stew’s textures.
Onion (chopped): Essential for building a solid flavor base.
Frozen peas: Stirred in at the very end for a bright, fresh finish.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkled on top, it adds color and a burst of herbal freshness you definitely don’t want to skip.

How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Step 1: Coat Beef

Start by tossing the beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. You want every piece coated—it’s not just about seasoning, but also about giving the stew body. The flour melts into the broth during cooking, thickening it just right without any fuss.

Step 2: Sear Beef

Heat the olive oil in a skillet until shimmering, then sear the floured beef cubes in batches. Aim for a deep, golden crust on all sides. Don’t rush this step—it builds irresistible flavor. Once seared, transfer the beef right into your slow cooker. Trust me, that extra few minutes makes all the difference in this Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, minced garlic, carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion into the crock pot with your beef. Give everything a good stir to make sure those flavors start mingling from the get-go.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the crock pot and set it to low for 8 to 9 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. During this time, the beef will become fall-apart tender, and the vegetables will soak up all that savory goodness. Check occasionally, but for the most part, you can just let your kitchen fill up with delicious aromas!

Step 5: Add Peas

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the frozen peas. They need just enough time to heat through and stay vibrant green. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if desired, then top each bowl with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh pop at the finish line.

How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Garnishes

A big handful of fresh parsley brightens each bowl both visually and in flavor. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dollop of sour cream can add another layer of richness if you’re in the mood for something extra special.

Side Dishes

This Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe is deeply satisfying on its own, but a warm loaf of crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls for dipping is pure perfection. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the meal with a little crispness and acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to get a little fancy? Spoon the stew into individual bread bowls for a rustic touch. Or, serve it in wide, shallow bowls so the colors and textures really shine. For a casual family-style dinner, let everyone ladle their own bowls straight from the slow cooker—it brings a sense of warmth and togetherness to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stew should be cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it’s good for up to four days. The flavors really meld overnight, so it often tastes even better the second day!

Freezing

This Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe freezes beautifully. Once cooled, ladle portions into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to three months, making it perfect for meal prepping or stocking your freezer for busy weeks.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for individual portions—just cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between, to keep everything evenly warm and prevent overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While chuck is the most tender and flavorful for this Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe, you can experiment with stew meat or even brisket if that’s what you have on hand—just make sure to cook it long enough for it to become tender.

Do I have to sear the beef first?

Technically, you could skip the searing step, but it adds wonderful depth and caramelized flavor to the stew. That quick step makes a remarkable difference in the final dish!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe is flexible. Try adding chopped parsnips, rutabaga, or mushrooms for something a little different. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

How can I thicken the stew more?

If you prefer a thicker broth, simply stir 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of cold water into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking, right before adding the peas.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, this Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe uses regular flour. If you need it to be gluten-free, swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch to coat the beef—the results are just as delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe is the kind of meal you’ll want to cozy up to all season long. There’s something magical about the aroma that fills your kitchen and the way every spoonful is loaded with comfort. I hope you give this recipe a spot in your regular rotation and share it with those you love most—happy cooking!

Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (low), 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This hearty and comforting Crock Pot Beef Stew is the perfect meal for a cozy night in. Tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth come together in a slow cooker for a delicious dish that the whole family will love.

Instructions

Coat Beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Sear Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear beef until browned, then transfer to the crock pot.
Combine Ingredients: Add broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Add Peas: In the last 30 minutes, stir in frozen peas. Adjust seasoning and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

You can customize this stew by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
This stew freezes well for future meals.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours on low, 4 hours on high
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Crock Pot Beef Stew, Slow Cooker Stew, Comfort Food, Beef Stew Recipe