Crock Pot Beef Stew (Slow Cooker Recipe)

Crockpot Beef Stew is a slow cooker meal with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato-seasoned broth. Browning the beef first adds extra flavor, while the long cook time gives the meat a soft, tender texture. As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with the warm smell of garlic, thyme, and beef broth. I like making this on a relaxed day when I want dinner to take care of itself. Serve it hot with a simple side for a cozy family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Stew

• Hands-off cooking: After the first stovetop steps, the stew cooks slowly for 6-8 hours.
• Tender beef: The long cooking time helps the beef stew meat become tender.
• Hearty ingredients: Potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic make this a filling one-pot meal.
• Rich broth: Tomato paste, thyme, beef broth, and browned beef create a savory sauce.
• Good for leftovers: Store extra stew in the refrigerator and reheat it for another meal.

How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew

Start by browning the beef in olive oil in a large pot. Set it aside, then soften the onion and garlic in the same pot. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the beef to the pot with the potatoes, carrots, beef broth, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the beef is tender. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides.
3. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same pot. Sauté until soft.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Return the beef to the pot.
7. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and beef broth.
8. Add the bay leaf.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil.
10. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
11. Let it simmer for 6-8 hours, until the beef is tender.
12. Remove the bay leaf and serve hot.

How to Serve Crockpot Beef Stew

Crockpot Beef Stew is filling on its own, but you can serve it with crusty bread for dipping into the broth. Dinner rolls or a simple piece of toast also work well. For a lighter plate, add a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

Serve the stew in deep bowls while it is hot. A glass of water, iced tea, or another favorite drink makes an easy match. This slow cooker meal is a good choice for a relaxed family dinner, especially when the weather is cool.

How to Store Crockpot Beef Stew

Let leftover Crockpot Beef Stew cool, then place it in a covered container and refrigerate it within two hours. It can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Keep the beef and vegetables covered so they stay moist.

To reheat, warm the stew in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, stirring from time to time. You can also reheat one serving in the microwave, using a microwave-safe bowl and stirring during heating. Add a small amount of beef broth if the stew becomes too thick.

Tips for Making Crockpot Beef Stew

• Brown the beef well: Brown the beef on all sides before adding it to the pot for deeper flavor.
• Use the same pot: Sauté the onion and garlic in the beef pot so they pick up the browned bits.
• Cut vegetables evenly: Similar-sized potato and carrot pieces will cook more evenly.
• Do not skip the bay leaf: Add it during cooking, but remove it before serving.
• Check for tenderness: The stew is ready when the beef is tender after 6-8 hours.
• Season carefully: Add salt and pepper to taste when stirring in the tomato paste and thyme.

Variations

• Ingredient swap: Use another neutral cooking oil instead of olive oil if needed.
• Add-in option: Add extra vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms or chopped celery, if you want to change the texture.
• Different cooking method: For a stovetop version, follow the same browning and vegetable steps, then keep the covered pot on low heat and cook until the beef is tender. The main recipe uses a slow cooker-style, low-and-slow method.

FAQs

Can I Make Crockpot Beef Stew Without Browning the Beef?

Yes, you can add the raw beef directly with the other ingredients, but browning it first adds more flavor. If you skip this step, sauté the onion and garlic as directed before adding everything to the pot.

What Can I Use Instead Of Beef Broth?

You can use another prepared broth if beef broth is not available, though the taste will be different. Use the same amount so the vegetables and beef have enough liquid to cook.

Can I Make Crockpot Beef Stew Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can cook the stew ahead and refrigerate it in a covered container. Reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, stirring as it warms.

How Do I Know When The Stew Is Done?

The stew is done when the beef is tender after cooking for 6-8 hours. The potatoes and carrots should also be cooked through and easy to pierce with a fork.

Can I Double This Recipe?

You can double the ingredients, but use a pot large enough to hold everything without filling it too close to the top. The cooking time may vary, so check the beef and vegetables for tenderness before serving.

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