How to Make Easy Crockpot Beef Stew for Tender Results

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of beef stew, especially when it’s made in a crockpot. As the weather cools down, I find myself craving hearty meals that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. This Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to come home to a meal that feels like a warm hug. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for quick family dinners, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. If you’re also looking for easy pasta recipes to complement your meals, I’ve got you covered there too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s incredibly easy to make—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work!
• The beef turns out tender and flavorful, thanks to the slow cooking process.
• Perfect for meal prep; you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great option for 30-minute meals!

Ingredients

To make this delicious beef stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 lbs Boneless Beef Chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 Medium Yellow Onion (chopped)
• 6 Cloves of Garlic (minced)
• 1 lb Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 4 Large Carrots (peeled and cut)
• 3 Sticks of Celery (chopped)
• 3 cups Beef Broth
• 1 Can Tomato Paste (6 oz)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
• 2 tbsp Water (for thickening, optional)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering stew:

1. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add half of the beef cubes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 45 seconds per side, until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor in the stew. Transfer the seared beef and any juices to the slow cooker. Repeat with the remaining olive oil and beef.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
3. To the slow cooker, add the potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Gently place the bay leaves on top.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 10 hours or until the beef is tender and easily falls apart. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 4-5 hours, but the low and slow method is recommended for the most tender results.
5. About 10-20 minutes before serving, if you prefer a thicker gravy, create a slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly stir the slurry into the stew. Cover and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your liking.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your beef stew turns out perfectly:

• For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand—parsnips or green beans work wonderfully!
• If you want to make this a creamy garlic pasta dish, serve the stew over pasta for a delightful twist.
• Don’t skip the searing step; it really enhances the flavor of the beef.

How to Serve

This beef stew is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with:

• Crusty bread for dipping
• A fresh green salad for a pop of color
• Mashed potatoes for a comforting side
• Rice or noodles to soak up the rich gravy

For more hearty meal ideas, check out my Beef Stew recipe or try a delightful Ground Beef Stroganoff for another family favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This stew is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! This Easy Homemade Beef Stew is sure to become a staple in your home, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying. Enjoy!

Easy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

A hearty and flavorful beef stew cooked slowly to tender perfection, perfect for cozy dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 hours hrs

Total Time 10 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Olive Oil

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil

Boneless Beef Chuck

• 2 lbs Boneless Beef Chuck cut into 1-inch cubes

Medium Yellow Onion

• 1 medium Yellow Onion chopped

Cloves of Garlic

• 6 cloves Garlic minced

Yukon Gold Potatoes

• 1 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes peeled and diced

Large Carrots

• 4 large Carrots peeled and cut

Sticks of Celery

• 3 stalks Celery chopped

Beef Broth

• 3 cup Beef Broth

Tomato Paste

• 1 can Tomato Paste 6 oz

Worcestershire Sauce

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Salt

• 1 tsp Salt

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

• Black Pepper to taste

Cornstarch

• 2 tbsp Cornstarch for thickening, optional

Water

• 2 tbsp Water for thickening, optional

Method

 

1. Sear beef in a skillet with olive oil until browned; transfer to slow cooker.
2. Cook onion and garlic in the same skillet; add to slow cooker with beef.
3. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper to slow cooker; stir and cover.
4. Cook on low for 10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
5. Optional: Mix cornstarch and water, stir into stew, and cook on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken.

Notes

For a thicker stew, add cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.