Crock Pot Beef Stew: 10 Delicious Ways It Saves Dinner

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When life is pulling you in a dozen directions—work meetings, soccer practice, and that never-ending pile of laundry—a warm, hearty meal can feel like a far-off dream. That’s where this Crock Pot Beef Stew comes in. It’s the kind of meal that makes your house smell like a cozy hug from your grandma and requires minimal effort. Just a little chopping, a quick sizzle in the skillet, and boom—your slow cooker takes it from there.

This crock pot beef stew recipe is the perfect answer to busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. It’s rich, flavorful, and loaded with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and savory broth. And best of all? You can set it and forget it.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Beef Stew

Set-it-and-forget-it goodness: Toss everything in and come back to magic.
Perfect for chilly nights: This stew warms you from the inside out.
Picky-eater approved: The flavors are classic and comforting—nothing too fancy.
Meal prep win: Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stew:

2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup frozen peas
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew

1. Prepare the Beef

Place the beef cubes in a large bowl and sprinkle the flour over them. Toss until all the meat is evenly coated. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 5 minutes per batch, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Transfer the browned beef directly into your crock pot.

3. Load Up the Veggies

Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crock pot. These classic stew veggies add natural sweetness and heartiness.

4. Mix in the Broth & Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Give it all a good stir so the flavors mingle.

5. Let the Crock Pot Work Its Magic

Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the veggies are soft.

6. Add the Peas

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. They’ll add a pop of color and freshness. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!

7. Taste and Adjust

Give the stew a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread for dipping—it’s practically a must.

Tips for a Perfect Stew Every Time

Don’t skip browning the beef. It adds rich flavor and a better texture.
Thicker stew? Mash a few potatoes right in the pot near the end.
Want more veggies? Add celery or parsnips if you’ve got them.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

There was a week when everything went sideways—kids had colds, work was chaos, and I was two coffee cups behind on life. This Crock Pot Beef Stew saved dinner (and maybe my sanity). It felt like someone else cooked while I caught my breath. That’s the kind of magic I want you to have, too.

Close-up of Crock Pot Beef Stew with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots in a savory broth — Dig into this soul-warming Crock Pot Beef Stew, packed with tender beef, chunky vegetables, and cozy homemade flavor.

FAQs About Crock Pot Beef Stew

Can I substitute the beef stew meat?

Yes! You can use chuck roast cut into cubes. It’s budget-friendly and becomes super tender.

How do I store leftovers?

Let the stew cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully!

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just toss everything in the crock pot and go.

Cozy Up with This Crock Pot Beef Stew

Whether you’re juggling a million things or just craving something warm and satisfying, this Crock Pot Beef Stew is here for you. It’s hearty, hassle-free, and full of flavor—just the way a comfort meal should be. So grab your slow cooker, and let’s bring a little more cozy to your dinner table!

More Cozy Favorites to Try Next

If this Crock Pot Beef Stew hit the spot, you’re going to love these other hearty, feel-good recipes that keep things simple without skimping on flavor:

Craving something just as comforting but with a touch of southern flair? This One Pot Marry Me Beef is packed with flavor and comes together in one skillet—perfect for easy cleanup.
Want to level up your stew game? Try this soul-warming Beef Stew and Dumplings that adds fluffy dumplings to your favorite classic.
For a seasonal twist, cozy up with the rich, savory notes of Autumn Harvest Beef Stew—it’s perfect when the leaves start to fall and sweaters come out of hiding.
And don’t forget dessert! These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the sweet, gooey bite you didn’t know you needed after a bowl of stew.