There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of beef stew—especially when it’s slow-cooked to perfection. This simple crockpot beef stew recipe is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with rich, cozy aromas and your heart with pure comfort. Tender chunks of beef, soft vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth come together effortlessly while you go about your day.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps—just honest, wholesome food that tastes like home. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, relaxed weekend lunches, or even busy weekdays when you want dinner ready without stress. Families love it, kids enjoy the mild yet savory flavors, and adults appreciate how satisfying and filling it is. Easy One-Pot Dinner Recipes Anyone Can Cook at Home 2026
If you’re looking for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing crockpot meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, this beef stew is exactly what you need.
Ingredients List
1.5 lbs (700 g) beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning)
1 bay leaf
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Beef: Lightly coat the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper. This helps thicken the stew later.
Optional Browning: Heat olive oil in a pan and quickly brown the beef on all sides. This step adds extra depth of flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Layer the Crockpot: Add potatoes, carrots, and onions to the bottom of the crockpot. Place the beef on top.
Add Flavor: Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and bay leaf.
Pour the Broth: Add beef broth until ingredients are just covered.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until beef is fork-tender.
Final Taste Check: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Secret Pro-Tips
Use chuck beef only: It breaks down beautifully during slow cooking and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Don’t overfill the crockpot: Ingredients should be just covered with liquid, not drowning.
Add herbs early, salt late: This keeps flavors balanced and prevents over-salting.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving: The stew thickens naturally and tastes even better.
Variations
Healthy Version: Add extra vegetables like celery, mushrooms, or green beans and reduce potatoes.
Low-Carb Option: Replace potatoes with turnips or cauliflower.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika. Easy Custard Bread Cake Recipe
Herby Style: Stir in fresh parsley or thyme just before serving.
This Video from using Dad With A Pan
FAQs
Q1. Can I put raw beef directly into the crockpot?
Yes, browning is optional. Raw beef cooks safely and thoroughly in a crockpot.
Q2. Why is my stew watery?
Either too much broth was added or the lid was opened too often. Keep it covered while cooking.
Q3. Can I freeze beef stew?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Q4. Can I make this without flour?
Yes, the stew will be slightly thinner, or you can use cornstarch at the end.
This simple crockpot beef stew recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a reliable go-to meal for busy days and cozy nights. Once you try it, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
About The Author
