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Crock Pot Beef Stew

Crock Pot Beef Stew

This Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe is an easy, dump-and-go meal packed with tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It's a comforting and convenient way to enjoy a classic family favorite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef:
  • 2 lbs Beef Stew Meat cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
For the Vegetables:
  • 1 large Onion chopped
  • 2 Carrots peeled and chopped
  • 2 Celery stalks chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 lb Potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas optional
For the Broth:
  • 4 cups Beef Broth
  • 1 cup Red Wine optional
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary
  • 2 Bay Leaves

Equipment

  • Crock Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Bowl

Method
 

  1. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned.
  3. Transfer the seared beef to the crock pot.
  4. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the crock pot.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
  6. Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.
  7. Add potatoes and bay leaves.
  8. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
  9. If using, stir in frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  10. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Notes

For the most flavorful beef stew, don't skip searing the beef. If you have time, marinate the beef in red wine or balsamic vinegar for a few hours before searing. To thicken the stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry and stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasonings to taste. Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a dash of smoked paprika during the last hour of cooking. To ensure perfectly tender potatoes, use Yukon Gold or red potatoes.