If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. This stew is a marvelous blend of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich, flavorful broth that slowly meld together over hours in your crockpot, delivering a comforting dish with minimal fuss. The beauty of this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe lies in its simplicity paired with wholesome ingredients that create a deeply satisfying taste and aroma you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. From the earthy potatoes to the sweet carrots and the hearty beef broth, everything combines effortlessly to make magic in your slow cooker.
- 2 cups beef broth: The savory liquid base that infuses rich, meaty flavor into every bite.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic punch without overpowering the stew.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and complexity to the overall profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon: Concentrates the beefy essence for extra depth.
- 1 ½ pounds golden Yukon potatoes (cut into chunks): These hold their shape beautifully and add creamy texture.
- 2 cups sliced carrots: Provide vibrant color and subtle natural sweetness.
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced): Brings a mellow sharpness and fragrant sweetness once cooked.
- 1 cup frozen sweet peas: Added last to keep their brightness and slight snap.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Mixed into a slurry to thicken the broth into a luscious gravy.
- 3 tablespoons water: Used with cornstarch to create the perfect consistency slurry.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broth and Season the Beef
Start by pouring 2 cups of beef broth into your crockpot. Add cubed stew beef along with garlic powder, black pepper, salt, beef bouillon, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together gently so the beef is well coated and the spices start to meld into the broth. This step creates the flavor-packed base that will slowly tenderize the meat and infuse the stew with deep savory notes.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables
Next, thoughtfully layer your Yukon potatoes, sliced carrots, and onion over the seasoned beef. Arranging these veggies on top allows them to slowly absorb the juices, softening beautifully while lending their distinct tastes and textures to the stew. This method ensures each spoonful is vibrant and comforting.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking process is where the magic happens—allowing the beef to become fork-tender and the flavors to intensify. Patience here rewards you with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience that truly defines this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe.
Step 4: Add the Peas
With just a few minutes left, stir in the frozen sweet peas. Adding them late helps preserve their fresh color and slight crunch, brightening the stew both visually and texturally. It’s a little finishing touch that takes this dish to the next level of deliciousness.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew
Create a slurry by whisking cornstarch and water until smooth and pour it into the crockpot while stirring. This simple mix thickens the stew, transforming the broth into a velvety gravy that clings beautifully to every morsel of beef and vegetable.
Step 6: Final Simmer
Cook the stew on high for another 10 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken to your desired consistency. This final step perfects the texture and ensures that your Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is not only flavorful but luxuriously comforting in every spoonful.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the stew for a pop of color and a subtle herbal lift. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of crème fraîche can add creaminess and balance the hearty flavors. These simple garnishes brighten the dish and make it feel truly special when served.
Side Dishes
This stew shines best alongside crusty bread, perfect for mopping up the rich gravy, or buttery dinner rolls. A crisp green salad adds refreshing contrast, and for a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice absorb every bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe in rustic bowls for a homestyle vibe that invites comfort and warmth. For a more festive occasion, hollow out small sourdough loaves and ladle the stew inside, turning each serving into a cozy edible bowl that’s as fun as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover stew in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for three to four days, making it an excellent choice for easy weekday lunches or dinners that warm up beautifully.
Freezing
This Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion and label your containers with the date.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If the stew thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! While stew beef is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just ensure it’s well marbled for the best flavor and tender results after slow cooking.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot?
While browning adds extra depth and caramelization, this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is designed to be simple and hands-off, so you can skip browning if you’re short on time. The slow cooker will still yield a delicious outcome.
How do I keep the vegetables from getting mushy?
Cut your vegetables into larger chunks and layer them carefully on top of the meat. Cooking on low heat helps maintain their texture, and adding peas at the last minute ensures they retain a pleasant bite.
Can I make this stew vegetarian or vegan?
You can’t directly substitute the beef, but you can create a hearty vegetable stew inspired by this recipe using mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives, along with vegetable broth and your favorite seasonings.
What’s the best way to thicken the stew if I don’t have cornstarch?
All-purpose flour or arrowroot powder can also be used as thickening agents. Mix them with cold water in the same way as the cornstarch slurry and add to the crockpot towards the end of cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about settling in with a warm bowl of this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe after a long day. It’s comforting, rich, and utterly satisfying, made effortlessly thanks to the slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting. I can’t recommend it enough as a go-to dish that brings people together around the table with smiles and full bellies. Go ahead and give it a try—you’re going to love how easy and rewarding this stew is!
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Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Tender beef cubes slow-cooked with golden Yukon potatoes, carrots, onions, and seasoned beef broth create a rich and savory stew. Finished with sweet peas and a cornstarch slurry for a thickened, luscious gravy, this recipe is simple to prepare and cooks gently in the crockpot, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Broth and Seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Vegetables and Meat
- 1 ½ pounds golden Yukon potatoes, cut into chunks
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 cup frozen sweet peas
- 1 ½ pounds cubed stew beef
Thickening Agent
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Combine Broth and Seasonings: Pour beef broth into the crockpot and add cubed stew beef, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, beef bouillon, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Vegetables: Layer the potatoes, carrots, and sliced onions on top of the seasoned beef in the crockpot, evenly distributing them.
- Slow Cook the Stew: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, until the beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Add Sweet Peas: In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen sweet peas to warm them through without losing their texture.
- Prepare Slurry and Thicken: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Add this mixture gradually into the crockpot while stirring continuously to avoid lumps and to thicken the stew.
- Final Cook: Cook on high for an additional 10 minutes or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Notes
- For even more flavor, brown the stew beef in a skillet before adding to the crockpot.
- You can substitute beef bouillon with beef stock or omit if using a rich beef broth.
- Adjust seasoning at the end of cooking to taste.
- For thicker stew, allow the cornstarch slurry to cook a few extra minutes until desired thickness is obtained.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.
