The Ultimate Set It and Forget It Crock Pot Beef Stew

Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

By Carter NguyenSeptember 9, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Craving Comfort? Let's Talk Stew!

Fancy a proper, stick-to-your ribs dinner? Who doesn't, eh? This crock pot beef stew is exactly what you need. It’s proper comfort food, like your nan used to make, but with a bit of a modern twist.

It is truly the most hearty beef stew recipe out there!.

A Stew with History

This classic beef stew recipe is inspired by traditional British and Irish fare. Slow cooking transforms humble ingredients into something truly special.

It's easy beef stew crock pot magic!. It’s a hands off, one-pot beef stew kinda deal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it yields about 6 servings.

Why You'll Love This Stew

Honestly, the best thing about this stew? It's packed with goodness! The beef provides a good source of protein. This stew will keep you warm during those cold winter evenings.

It’s the perfect comfort food recipes slow cooker for when you need a hug from the inside out. Plus, this budget friendly beef stew recipe is easy on the wallet.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Stew Going!

Right then, let's talk ingredients! Making a proper crock pot beef stew that'll make your nan proud is all about using the right stuff.

This isn't just about throwing whatever's lurking in the back of the fridge into a pot. We want a hearty beef stew recipe that delivers, every single time.

So, gather 'round, and let's dive in!

The Heart of the Matter: Main Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing slow cooker beef stew recipe . Remember, good ingredients equals good grub!

Beef Chuck: 2 lbs (900g) , cut into 1 inch cubes. Look for well marbled beef. That means it has streaks of fat running through it. This gives you that melt-in-your mouth tenderness.
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (plus extra).
Kosher Salt: 1 tsp
Black Pepper: ½ tsp
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp (plus extra for dusting). This helps to brown the beef and thicken the stew later on.
Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup )
Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped (about 1 cup )
Celery: 2 stalks , chopped (about 1 cup )
Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Seriously, don’t skimp on the garlic!
Yukon Gold Potatoes: 1 lb (450g) , peeled and cubed. These hold their shape well.
Frozen Peas: 1 cup . Added right at the end!
Beef Broth: 4 cups (950ml) , low sodium if you can.
Dry Red Wine: 1 cup (240ml) (optional). I always go for it. It makes it a beef stew with red wine , like proper pub grub! A Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon is lush.
Tomato Paste: 1 tbsp .
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp .
Dried Thyme: 1 tsp .
Bay Leaf: 1 .
Cornstarch: 1 tbsp , mixed with 2 tbsp cold water. This is the slurry to thicken it up.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish. A bit of green never hurt anyone.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (Well, Spices!)

Honestly, the right combo of seasonings makes all the difference in a classic beef stew recipe .

Essential Spice Combinations: Thyme and bay leaf are your base. They provide a subtle, earthy flavour.
Flavour Enhancers and Aromatics: The Worcestershire sauce and red wine add depth and richness. Don't skip them if you want a truly hearty beef stew recipe .
Quick Substitution Options: No thyme? A pinch of mixed herbs will do in a pinch. And balsamic vinegar works if you don't have red wine.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS)!

You don’t need a fancy kitchen to nail this easy beef stew crock pot . A few essentials will do the trick.

Crock Pot/Slow Cooker: 6-quart (or bigger). This is your best mate for this slow cooker recipes for winter .
Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For searing the beef.
Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Obvious, innit?
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy. But honestly, a bit of "that looks about right" works too!

This recipe is totally budget friendly beef stew recipe and also comfort food recipes slow cooker . Enjoy it! A one-pot beef stew is a gift from above, so use it wisely!

Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

Alright, let's talk about something seriously comforting. You know, the kind of meal that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? I'm talking about crock pot beef stew .

I made this classic beef stew recipe for my family last week! It was a massive hit.

It's one of those comfort food recipes slow cooker was practically made for. Forget slaving over a hot stove. This is all about chucking everything in and letting time do its thing.

You get a deeply flavorful, hearty beef stew recipe with ridiculously tender beef. So get ready for the best weeknight ever!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means "everything in its place". Chop your onion, carrots, and celery.

Cube the beef. Mince the garlic. It’s all about essential mise en place ! Having everything ready saves a ton of time.

Speaking of saving time, pre-chopped veggies are great when you're in a pinch. Just ensure they're good quality.

step-by-step: From Raw to Ready

Toss your beef with flour, salt, and pepper.
Sear the beef in batches in a hot pan with olive oil. This is key for flavour!
Sauté your onion, carrots, and celery in the same pan.
Dump everything into your easy beef stew crock pot . Add beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and a bay leaf. Make sure your beef is mostly covered with the liquid.
Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours .
Add your cubed potatoes and cook for another 1- 2 hours .
Stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up.
Add the frozen peas in the last 30 minutes .

Pro Tips: Secrets to Success

Want a truly amazing stew? Don't skip the searing step. It's tempting, but that browning adds so much flavor. It is a one-pot beef stew, but the searing is important.

Another thing is to season as you go. Taste it halfway through and adjust the salt and pepper. A little beef stew with red wine can take the recipe to the next level if you have any.

Worried about time? This stew is a budget friendly beef stew recipe AND can be made ahead. You can slow cooker recipes for winter , keep in the fridge for up to 3 days! Just reheat and serve when you're ready.

Enjoy the beef stew with potatoes and carrots !

Recipe Notes

Right then, let's talk about the nitty gritty of this incredible crock pot beef stew . Consider these tips and tricks to dial up the flavour! Honestly, this easy beef stew crock pot recipe is a belter!

Serving Like a Pro

Fancy a bit of cheffy presentation? Spoon your hearty beef stew recipe into a deep bowl. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.

A swirl of cream on top? Oh go on, treat yourself! On the side, you can offer crusty bread and butter or maybe soda bread to soak up every drop of flavour.

Don’t forget a nice glass of beef stew with red wine (the same one you used in the stew, of course) for the adults.

Stow Away Tips

Got leftovers of this classic beef stew recipe ? Lucky you! Allow the stew to cool completely. Then, stash it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It will happily keep for 3-4 days . Want to freeze it? No worries! Pop it in freezer safe bags or containers for up to 3 months .

When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, heat through thoroughly on the hob or in the microwave, making sure it reaches a core temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .

Twists and Turns

Fancy a change? Adapt away! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour to coat the beef. Make sure your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free.

If you are after a lighter version, swap out some of the beef for mushrooms. In Autumn, you could throw in some squash or pumpkin.

This one-pot beef stew truly is versatile!

Nutrition Rundown

This budget friendly beef stew recipe is more than just delicious. This slow cooker beef stew recipe has an estimated 450 calories per serving.

It's packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the vegetables. It offers essential vitamins and minerals. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a balanced, comforting meal during those slow cooker recipes for winter .

So there you have it! All the little secrets to make your beef stew with potatoes and carrots a total triumph.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Remember, cooking should be fun! Enjoy this comfort food recipes slow cooker folks!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make crock pot beef stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, crock pot beef stew often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when you're ready to serve it's like a delicious leftover upgrade!

How do I thicken my crock pot beef stew if it's too watery?

The easiest way is with a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water (usually a tablespoon of each is enough) until smooth. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high heat. If you're still not happy with the thickness, repeat with another slurry - easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

What's the best cut of beef to use for crock pot beef stew?

Beef chuck is generally considered the best cut. It has a good amount of marbling, which breaks down during the long cooking process, resulting in tender and flavorful beef. Other options include brisket or stewing beef, but chuck is your best bet for that melt-in-your mouth texture that makes a stew truly special.

My potatoes turned to mush! How do I prevent that next time when making crock pot beef stew?

Ah, the dreaded mushy potato! Add them later in the cooking process, usually during the last 1-2 hours. Using Yukon Gold or red potatoes, which hold their shape better, can also help. Cut the potatoes into larger chunks for even better results - no one wants a disintegrated spud in their stew!

Is it okay to add frozen vegetables to my crock pot beef stew?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a convenient way to add extra nutrients and flavor. Add them during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy. Frozen peas, green beans, and corn are all great additions - a right proper vegetable medley!

Can I freeze leftover crock pot beef stew?

Yes, you can! Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or freezer bags. Lay the bags flat to freeze for easier storage and quicker thawing. It will last for 2-3 months in the freezer.

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop until piping hot, like you're back from a cold day at the football!