Description
Crockpot Beef Stew is a classic comfort dish featuring tender beef chunks, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth—all slow-cooked to perfection. This one-pot meal is ideal for busy days and cozy evenings, offering deep, developed flavors with minimal effort. Simply add the ingredients to a slow cooker, and come back hours later to a warm, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
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2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into chunks
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4 carrots, peeled and chopped
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3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1–2 bay leaves
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1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon paprika
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4 cups low-sodium beef broth
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2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
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2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
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1 tablespoon oil (optional, for browning beef)
Optional Add-ins:
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced
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1 cup frozen peas (add in final 30 minutes)
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½ cup green beans (add in final hour)
Instructions
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Prep the Beef: Season beef chunks with salt and pepper. For more flavor, brown them in a skillet with oil (optional).
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Prep Vegetables: Peel and chop all vegetables into evenly sized pieces.
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Layer the Crockpot: Place beef at the bottom, then add vegetables. Pour in beef broth and tomato paste. Add herbs and spices.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours.
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Thicken (Optional): In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in for a thicker stew.
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Add Quick-Cook Veggies: If using peas or green beans, stir them in during the final 30–60 minutes.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Browning the beef adds flavor but is optional.
Avoid overfilling the crockpot; leave space at the top.
For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or arrowroot instead of flour.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on low) or 4 hours (on high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American