This easy crockpot beef stew recipe is the ultimate no-fail one pot dinner for busy weeknights. Packed with tender beef, hearty potatoes, carrots, and savory herbs, this comforting slow cooker beef stew requires just 15 minutes of prep time before the crockpot does all the work. Simply add everything to your slow cooker, set it, and come home to the most delicious comfort food dinner your family will love.

This is hands-down the easiest crockpot beef stew you’ll ever make. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal effort, you get a rich, flavorful one pot meal that’s perfect for meal prep, cozy winter dinners, or lazy Sunday cooking. The beef becomes fall-apart tender, the vegetables cook to perfection, and the broth develops incredible depth of flavor—all while you go about your day.

Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a crockpot veteran, this foolproof beef stew recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every single time. Save this recipe for those days when you need a warm, satisfying family dinner without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Stew

Incredibly Easy – Just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, then your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. No browning meat, no complicated steps—just dump and go!

Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable chuck roast and simple vegetables you probably already have in your kitchen. This recipe feeds 6-8 people for under $20.

Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep Sundays. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week, or freeze portions for future busy nights.

Kid-Approved – Even picky eaters love this hearty, comforting stew. The tender beef and soft vegetables make it easy to eat and digest.

Customizable – Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite vegetables or seasonings. Add mushrooms, parsnips, or swap herbs to suit your taste.

One Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time for you. Everything cooks in one crockpot—no extra pans or dishes to wash!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Stew:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast – Cut into 1.5-inch cubes for maximum tenderness
• 4 medium potatoes – Yukon Gold or russet, cut into chunks
• 3 large carrots – Peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 large onion – Diced
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced
• 4 cups beef broth – Low-sodium preferred for better control of saltiness
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Adds rich umami flavor
• 2 bay leaves – Essential for depth of flavor
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Classic herb for beef stew
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – Adds aromatic earthiness
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Secret ingredient for savory depth
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – To thicken the stew
• Salt and black pepper – To taste
• 1 cup frozen peas – Optional, add in the last 30 minutes

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 parsnip, peeled and chopped
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make The Easiest Crockpot Beef Stew (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Cut the beef chuck into 1.5-inch cubes and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss the beef cubes with flour until evenly coated—this will help thicken your stew as it cooks. Chop all vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Step 2: Layer in the Crockpot

Add the beef cubes to the bottom of your crockpot. Layer the potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic on top. This layering ensures everything cooks evenly.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings

In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary until well combined. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot. Add the bay leaves on top.

Step 4: Set and Forget

Cover the crockpot with the lid. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. The stew is ready when the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.

Step 5: Final Touches

About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot beef stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or over mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal.

Tips for Perfect Beef Stew Every Time

Choose the Right Cut – Chuck roast is the best choice for slow cooker beef stew. It has enough fat and connective tissue to become incredibly tender during long, slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can become dry.

Don’t Skip the Flour – Coating the beef in flour before adding to the crockpot creates a natural thickener for your stew. This gives you that rich, velvety texture without adding cornstarch later.

Cut Vegetables Uniformly – Cutting all your vegetables to similar sizes ensures they cook at the same rate. Aim for 1.5 to 2-inch pieces.

Resist Opening the Lid – Every time you lift the crockpot lid, you add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. Trust the process and let it cook undisturbed.

Layer Smartly – Put harder vegetables like potatoes and carrots closer to the bottom where they’ll get more direct heat, and delicate items like peas at the end.

Adjust Thickness – If your stew is too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes on HIGH to let excess liquid evaporate. If too thick, add a bit more beef broth.

Best Cut of Beef to Use

Chuck roast is hands-down the best beef for slow cooker stew. This cut comes from the shoulder area and contains perfect marbling and connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender, flavorful meat. Other good options include:

• Beef chuck shoulder – Nearly identical to chuck roast
• Beef round – Leaner but still works well in slow cooker
• Stew meat – Pre-cut but check quality, as it may vary

Avoid: Top sirloin, tenderloin, or other lean cuts that will dry out during long cooking.

Can I Make This in an Instant Pot?

Yes! To make this beef stew in an Instant Pot:

1. Use the Sauté function to brown the beef cubes (optional but adds flavor)
2. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot
3. Seal the lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 35 minutes
4. Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure
5. Stir and serve

The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!

Freezer Storage

This beef stew freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents. Leave about 1 inch of space at the top for expansion.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Transfer to a pot and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout (about 10 minutes)
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 2-minute intervals, stirring between each interval
• Crockpot: Transfer frozen or thawed stew to crockpot and heat on LOW for 2-3 hours

If the stew seems too thick after storage, add a splash of beef broth while reheating.

Recipe Variations

Guinness Beef Stew

Replace 1 cup of beef broth with 1 cup of Guinness beer for a rich, Irish-inspired version.

Red Wine Beef Stew

Add 1 cup of dry red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon) for a more sophisticated, gourmet flavor.

Mushroom Beef Stew

Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms along with the other vegetables for an earthy, umami-rich variation.

Spicy Beef Stew

Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a kick of heat.

Healthy Ground Beef Stew

Substitute ground beef for chuck roast for a leaner, budget-friendly option. Brown the ground beef first, drain excess fat, then proceed with the recipe.

Cowboy Beef Stew

Add 1 can of drained black beans and 1 cup of corn for a Southwestern twist. Season with cumin and chili powder.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to brown the beef first?
A: No! That’s what makes this the easiest beef stew ever. While browning adds some flavor, it’s not necessary for a delicious result.

Q: Can I use frozen beef?
A: It’s best to use thawed beef for food safety and even cooking. Frozen beef can lead to uneven cooking temperatures in the slow cooker.

Q: Why is my beef stew watery?
A: The vegetables release moisture during cooking. To fix, remove the lid for the last 30-60 minutes on HIGH to evaporate excess liquid, or mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the stew.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Celery, parsnips, turnips, green beans, and mushrooms all work great. Just maintain the liquid ratio.

Q: How do I know when the beef is done?
A: The beef should be fork-tender, meaning it easily falls apart when pressed with a fork. If it’s still tough, cook for another 30-60 minutes.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Prep all ingredients the night before and store in the fridge. In the morning, add everything to the crockpot and turn it on before leaving for work.

Q: What should I serve with beef stew?
A: Crusty bread, dinner rolls, biscuits, mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles are all excellent options.

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Final Thoughts

This easy crockpot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food recipe that never disappoints. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for busy families who want a homemade meal without the stress. The hands-off cooking method means you can prep in the morning and come home to a hot, delicious dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Save this recipe for cold winter nights, lazy Sundays, or any time you need a warm, satisfying one pot meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to pin it for later and share with friends who need easy dinner ideas!