If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with mouthwatering aromas, then this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chunks of beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this stew is the ultimate feel-good dish for chilly days or when you want a fuss-free dinner that satisfies big appetites. What makes this recipe so special is how effortless it is to prepare, yet it delivers bold flavors and velvety texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let me guide you through turning simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this classic stew, you’ll be using a straightforward list of ingredients that come together beautifully, each adding its own magic. From the tender golden Yukon potatoes providing creamy bites to the carrots’ natural sweetness and the rich, savory broth that ties everything together, these essentials make the whole dish shine.
- Beef broth (2 cups): The flavorful liquid base that brings depth and warmth to the stew.
- Garlic powder (1 tablespoon): Enhances the savory notes with its aromatic punch.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and elevates every other flavor in the dish.
- Beef bouillon (1 tablespoon): Boosts the meaty richness for a deeply satisfying broth.
- Golden Yukon potatoes (1 ½ pounds, cut into chunks): Creamy and tender, perfect for thickening and comforting texture.
- Sliced carrots (2 cups): Provides a natural sweetness and colorful contrast.
- Large yellow onion (1, sliced): Adds subtle sweetness and body to the flavor profile.
- Frozen sweet peas (1 cup): Fresh peas introduce a pop of color and pleasant bite near the end of cooking.
- Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the stew’s lovely broth into a luscious gravy.
- Water (3 tablespoons): Used to mix with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry.
- Optional Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy umami boost (commonly included in step 1).
How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Set Up the Flavorful Base
Start by pouring the beef broth directly into your crockpot. Add in the cubed stew beef along with garlic powder, black pepper, salt, beef bouillon, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything gently to combine, making sure that the seasoning spreads around the meat. This step ensures that your beef is already soaking up the bold flavors right from the start.
Step 2: Layer Your Vegetables
Next, carefully place the golden Yukon potatoes, sliced carrots, and the large rings of yellow onion over the seasoned beef. Layering these veggies on top keeps them tender but still structured, letting their natural sweetness mingle with the savory broth as they slowly cook down to rich perfection.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tenderness
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or on low for 6 to 8 hours. The longer cooking time will reward you with fork-tender beef that melts in your mouth and vegetables that soak up the delicious broth without losing their shape.
Step 4: Add the Sweet Peas
In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen sweet peas. They only need a short time to warm through, adding a fresh burst of flavor and beautiful green color just before serving.
Step 5: Thicken the Stew
Create a smooth slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and water until no lumps remain. Slowly add this mixture to your stew, stirring constantly. This step transforms the liquid into a velvety gravy that clings perfectly to every bite.
Step 6: Final Simmer
Turn the crockpot back to high and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the gravy reaches your preferred thickness. This final step ensures your stew is warm and perfectly saucy, ready to serve straight from the pot.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
While this stew is delicious on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme brings a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich flavors. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a few shavings of sharp cheddar cheese can create a lovely contrast in texture and taste.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls that are perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious gravy. For a lighter pairing, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch to balance the stew’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the stew in individual rustic bowls or even hollowed-out bread bowls if you’re feeling fancy. To impress guests, garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme, and place a small ramekin of coarse sea salt on the side for seasoning to taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your stew to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect meal to enjoy for several nights. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better!
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can keep for up to 3 months in the freezer, which is perfect for stocking up your freezer with comforting meals ready to thaw on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat the stew gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, just be sure to stir occasionally to evenly distribute the heat and keep that luscious gravy smooth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef in this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! While stew beef is ideal because it becomes tender during slow cooking, you can substitute with chuck roast cut into cubes or even brisket. Just ensure the pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
What if I don’t have cornstarch to thicken the stew?
If cornstarch isn’t on hand, flour is a great alternative. Make a slurry by mixing flour with water or broth the same way, just use a little more flour to get the desired thickness. You could also cook the stew uncovered for the last half hour to reduce the liquid.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Vegetables like celery, parsnips, or mushrooms can add wonderful flavors and textures. Just add them during the initial layering so they have time to cook fully.
Is it better to cook this stew on high or low?
Both work well depending on your schedule. Cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours generally yields the most tender, flavorful beef, but high for 4 to 6 hours is great when you’re short on time and still want fantastic results.
Can I prepare this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Start cooking in the morning. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature slightly before turning on the crockpot to prevent overcooking the beef.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly soul-warming about a big pot of stew bubbling away with tender meat and vibrant vegetables, and this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe nails that comforting feeling every time. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to share with loved ones on weekends. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a meal that’s both easy and deeply satisfying—go ahead and treat yourself to this delicious stew soon; your kitchen and your appetite will thank you!
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Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Crockpot Beef Stew featuring tender beef, golden Yukon potatoes, carrots, and sweet peas simmered to perfection in a savory beef broth mixture, thickened with a cornstarch slurry for a rich, satisfying gravy. Ideal for effortless slow-cooked meals that fill your home with warmth and flavor.
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
- 1 ½ pounds golden Yukon potatoes, cut into chunks
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 cup frozen sweet peas
Thickening
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Main Protein
- 2 pounds cubed stew beef
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth and Beef: 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 and distribute flavors evenly.
- Add Vegetables: Layer the potatoes, carrots, and sliced onions on top of the seasoned beef in the crockpot. Do not stir after adding to allow even cooking and layering of flavors.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef becomes fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Add Sweet Peas: In the last few minutes of cooking, gently stir in the frozen sweet peas to allow them to warm through without overcooking and losing their texture.
- Thicken the Stew: Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water and whisk until smooth. Add the slurry to the crockpot while stirring continuously until the stew thickens and the gravy reaches the desired consistency.
- Final Cook: Cook the stew on high for an additional 10 minutes to set the thickened gravy and meld the flavors together before serving.
Notes
- For more flavor, sear the beef cubes in a hot pan before adding to the crockpot, though this step is optional.
- You can substitute the golden Yukon potatoes with red or russet potatoes if desired.
- Adjust seasoning at the end of cooking to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- The stew can be made a day ahead and reheated for deeper flavor.
- To keep the stew gluten-free, ensure the beef bouillon and Worcestershire sauce used are gluten-free varieties.
