There’s something deeply comforting about a hearty bowl of beef stew on a chilly evening. My go-to is this easy crock pot beef stew, which requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. Set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic. In just a few hours, you’ll have a warm dish that’s perfect for family dinners, game day, or simply a night in.

What sets this stew apart is its rich, savory broth infused with the tender goodness of beef, aromatic herbs, and vegetables. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with mouthwatering scents, enticing everyone to gather around the table.

Why you’ll love easy crock pot beef stew

Minimal hands-on time; just set it and forget it.
Deep, rich flavors build as it cooks slowly.
Budget-friendly ingredients come together beautifully.
One-pot meal means fewer dishes to clean.
Perfect for meal prep and packs well for leftovers.

What ingredients do I need for easy crock pot beef stew?

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups beef broth
4 carrots, sliced
4 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Ingredient notes & swaps:

Beef chuck provides great flavor and tenderness; you can substitute with round or brisket if needed.
Feel free to use vegetable broth for a lighter stew.
Make it gluten-free by ensuring the broth is free of gluten.

How do I make easy crock pot beef stew step-by-step?

To make this easy crock pot beef stew, brown the beef, add the vegetables, mix in the flavorful broth, and let it cook low and slow. You’ll have a delicious, filling meal ready to enjoy in a few hours.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef pieces on all sides, then transfer to the crock pot.
Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the crock pot.
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.
Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving hot.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the broth mixture before pouring it into the crock pot.

How should I serve it?

This beef stew is delicious on its own but pairing it with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice elevates the meal. You can also garnish it with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?

Yes, this stew can be made ahead of time and stored. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

How do I fix common issues?

Too dry: If your stew turns out dry, add more broth or water while simmering.
Bland flavor: Adjust salt and pepper or add more spices to boost flavor.
Soggy vegetables: If you find your veggies mushy, reduce the cooking time next time or add them halfway through the cooking.

What variations can I try?

You can customize this beef stew by adding different vegetables such as peas or green beans. For a spicier kick, toss in some red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with herbs like parsley or bay leaves for an aromatic twist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen beef for the stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking.

What if I don’t have tomato paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use crushed tomatoes or skip it entirely for a different flavor.

Is this stew healthy?
Yes, it’s packed with veggies and lean protein, making it a nutritious option. However, adjust the salt based on your dietary needs.

Can I use the slow cooker instead of the crock pot?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for any slow cooker you have on hand, just keep an eye on the timing.

Enjoying a bowl of this easy crock pot beef stew is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a cold day; it’s just that comforting and full of love.

Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew

This hearty beef stew is perfect for chilly evenings. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it's a comforting dish that cooks slowly in your crock pot.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 20

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces Can substitute with round or brisket if needed.
4 cups beef broth Use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
4 pieces carrots, sliced
4 pieces potatoes, diced
1 piece onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste Can use crushed tomatoes as a substitute.
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
to taste Salt and pepper Adjust based on preference.
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional) Use for browning beef.

Method

Preparation

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef pieces on all sides, then transfer to the crock pot.
Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the crock pot.
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.

Cooking

Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving hot.

Notes

This stew can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the broth before cooking.