This beef crockpot stew recipe is one of those favorite comfort foods youโll make again and again. By searing the beef cubes first, you get a deep, rich sauce thatโs full of extra flavor, then the slow cooking brings everything together into a hearty, fork-tender meal. Itโs the kind of classic beef stew that feels like homeโsimple, nourishing, and perfect for the whole family on a chilly day.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Tender beef and veggies: Slow cooking gives you fork tender beef cubes, tender potatoes, and soft whole carrots that soak up every bit of flavor.
- Set-it-and-forget-it meal: Once everythingโs in the crock pot, it slow cooks on its ownโperfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, flavorful broth: A mix of tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, and bay leaf creates depth and extra flavor in every bite.
- Incredible depth of flavor: Searing the meat and sautรฉing the onion, garlic, and tomato paste first gives this stew a rich sauce that tastes like it took all day.
- Perfect for busy weeknights: This great meal practically makes itself and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
- Wholesome comfort food: Itโs a complete meal in one pot, made with real ingredients for cozy dinners your family will ask for again and again.
Looking for another slow cooker recipe? Try our crockpot honey sesame chicken, chuck roast slow cooker tacos, or sweet pork (no soda).
Ingredient Notes
- Beef stew meat - you can buy stew meat already cut into cubes at most grocery stores. You can also buy a beef chuck roast and cut it into smaller pieces (about 1 inch) on your own. Remove any large chunks of fat. You can use a different type of beef as well, based on your preferences, but most beef stew meat is made from a chuck roast.
- Yellow onion - can swap for white onion too.
- Carrots - we like using chunks of whole carrots for this recipe but you can use baby carrots was well.
- Yukon gold potatoes - we like that the Yukon gold potatoes have a thinner skin, but you can swap for peeled russet potatoes or red potatoes as well. Try our creamy southwest chicken corn chowder recipe which also features Yukon gold potatoes.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements for this easy beef stew recipe.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Beef options: Choose well-marbled beef cubes like chuck roast for tender beef that stays juicy after a long cook time. Try another of our favorite beef recipes: Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.
- Deglaze your pan: After adding tomato paste, pour in a splash of beef broth to lift up those flavorful browned bitsโitโs a good reason not to skip this step.
- Vegetables: You can use whole carrots cut into chunks or baby carrots for convenienceโboth hold up well during slow cooking. You may also love our roasted apricot glazed carrots.
- Thickening the stew: Mix cornstarch and water separately, then stir it in once the stew cools slightly to create a rich sauce without lumps.
- Flavor boosters: A splash of red wine, soy sauce, or extra Worcestershire can add depth of flavor if youโd like.
- Make it your own: Swap in sweet potatoes, mushrooms, frozen peas, or bell pepper for a fun twist on this classic beef stew.
How to Make Beef Crockpot Stew
For the full recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Step 1: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Generously season beef stew meat with salt and pepper and trim excess fat as needed. Add beef stew meat in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear on all sides until browned. Transfer the browned beef to your crockpot.
Step 2: To the same skillet, add diced onion. Sautรฉ for 2โ3 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the garlic and stir.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 more minutes, until the tomato paste is a rusty color. Add in a splash of the beef broth to help release any bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Transfer mixture to the crockpot with the beef. Add carrots and potatoes to the crockpot.
Step 6: Add in the Worcestershire sauce and 2 cups of beef broth. Sprinkle in kosher salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and add the bay leaves. Gently mix until combined.
Step 7: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, whisk together the cornstarch or arrowroot and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the stew. Cover and cook for the remaining time until the stew thickens.
Remove bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Beef Crockpot Stew FAQs
If you have leftovers, let the stew cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making this an even better meal prep option for busy weeknights.
To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions until hot. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the rich sauce as it reheats.
This beef crockpot stew recipe also freezes beautifully. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (lay them flat to save space) and freeze for up to 3 months. When youโre ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.
You can also cook from frozenโplace the frozen stew in a covered pot over low heat and let it slowly defrost and warm through, stirring occasionally. This takes a bit of time, but the results are just as cozy and satisfying.
Note: The texture of the potatoes may soften slightly after freezing, and the broth may thicken as it cools. A splash of broth or water can easily bring it back to the perfect consistency before serving.
For a gluten-free beef stew, ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. This recipe is dairy-free. Looking for another gluten free, dairy free recipe? Try our one pan sausage and veggie skillet.
Other Delicious Recipes in the Slow Cooker
If you make this slow cooker beef stew recipe, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below and/or rate the recipe! Donโt forget to tag us on Instagram to show us your finished productโit makes our day every time we see you trying the recipes we love!
Easy Beef Crockpot Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, large dice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1, 6 ounce can of tomato paste
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into ยฝ inch slices
- 1 ยฝ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Generously season beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Add beef stew meat in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear on all sides until browned. Transfer the browned beef to your crockpot.
- To the same skillet, add diced onion. Sautรฉ for 2โ3 minutes, until fragrant. Add the garlic and stir. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 more minutes, until the tomato paste is a rusty color. Add in a splash of the beef broth to help release any bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pot. Transfer mixture to the crockpot with the beef.
- Add carrots and potatoes to the crockpot. Add in the Worcestershire sauce and 2 cups of beef broth. Sprinkle in kosher salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and add the bay leaves. Gently mix until combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, whisk together the cornstarch or arrowroot and water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew. Cover and cook for the remaining time until the stew thickens.
- Remove bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Save time/prep ahead:
- If youโre short on time, trim and cube your beef, dice the onion, and chop your vegetables the night beforeโstore them separately in the fridge. You can also pre-measure the tomato paste, Worcestershire, and spices in a small jar to dump in quickly. In the morning, simply brown the meat, sautรฉ the onion mixture, and add everything to your rimmed crock pot with the cup of beef broth.
- This stew is freezer friendlyโjust cool it completely, store in airtight containers for up to three months, and thaw before reheating for an stress-free dinner later. See the post FAQ's for specifics on freezing and reheating.ย
- For a gluten-free beef stew, ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. This recipe is dairy-free.
- The recipe can be found on My Fitness Pal by searching "BWB Beef Crockpot Stew." The nutrition content provided for each recipe is an estimate created through the My Fitness Pal database. Please be aware that the nutritional content of each recipe may vary based on the products you use, the precision of your measurements, and the source you use to obtain nutrition data. While we try to provide accurate information, we give no guarantee regarding the accuracy of the nutritional information provided.
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