Hey moms! If you’re here, you’re probably on the hunt for the best beef stew crock pot recipes that are not just easy but also ridiculously delish. As a mom of three, I get it—life is busy, and sometimes dinner needs to cook itself. This slow cooker beef stew is the perfect solution for that.
This isn’t just any beef stew recipe, though; it’s my go-to on busy days when I’m trying to avoid tripping over toys, balancing homework assistance, and answering constant snack demands. Whether you’re looking for crockpot recipes beef stew, a simple beef stew crock pot recipe, or just want a hearty meal with zero stress, this one checks all the boxes.
It’s packed with tender beef stew meat, hearty veggies, and cozy vibes. Plus, it’s one of those easy beef stew recipes where you literally toss everything in your crockpot slow cooker and let it work its magic. If you’re into slow cooker stew recipes, you’re gonna love how this one turns out—rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights (or lazy weekends).
So, grab your ingredients, fire up that crockpot, and let’s make the best crock pot beef stew ever. Trust me, it’s one of those hearty stews slow cooker dreams are made of!
What You’ll Need
Okay, here’s the grocery list. Don’t stress—it’s mostly pantry stuff you probably already have.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into chunks—store-bought works great)
- 4 carrots (peeled and sliced, or baby carrots for lazy days 🙃)
- 3 medium potatoes (diced into bite-size pieces)
- 1 onion (chopped, but let’s be real—use pre-chopped if you want)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced, or garlic powder if you’re in a rush)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (I can never spell this right on the first try lol)
- 1 tsp thyme (dried is perfect)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing the beef, if you have time)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional if you want a thicker stew)
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional but Worth It)
Heat up some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, and brown it on all sides. Don’t skip this step if you’ve got the time—it adds sooo much flavor. But if life’s crazy, skip it. No judgment!
Step 2: Layer the Crockpot
Now, grab your crockpot (mine’s been through everything, bless its heart). Start by tossing in the carrots, potatoes, and onions. Then plop that seared beef on top.
Step 3: Mix the Magic Potion
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, thyme, and paprika. Pour it all over the beef and veggies. It already smells good, right?!
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours (perfect for workdays) or high for 4-6 hours (if you’re impatient like me). Let the crockpot work its magic while you wrangle the kids, fold laundry, or binge-watch your fave show.
Step 5: Thicken It Up (Optional)
If you like your stew thick and hearty, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it in about 30 minutes before serving, and let it cook a bit longer. Boom—perfection.
Step 6: Dish It Up!
Time to eat, y’all! Grab a big ol’ ladle and serve this stew in bowls. Bonus points if you pair it with crusty bread or biscuits for dunking. My kids practically lick their bowls clean every time.
Mom Tips from the Trenches
- Veggie Switch-Up: Got peas or green beans? Toss ’em in during the last hour.
- Leftovers = Gold: Freeze the extras in single portions for an easy lunch later.
- Keep It Simple: No time to chop? Grab a bag of pre-chopped veggies or those handy frozen stew mixes.
This recipe is one of those rare unicorn meals—easy, delish, and makes you look like a rockstar mom. Give it a try, and let me know if your fam loves it as much as mine does!
FAQs: Your Crockpot Beef Stew Questions Answered!
Can I skip searing the beef before adding it to the crockpot?
Yep, you can totally skip it if you’re short on time. But if you have a few extra minutes, searing the beef adds so much flavor! Trust me, it’s worth the little effort.
Can I use frozen beef stew meat?
You sure can, but thaw it first for the best results. Cooking frozen meat directly in the crockpot can mess with the cooking time and texture.
How can I make the stew thicker?
Easy peasy! Just mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving, and let it simmer. Boom—thicker, richer stew!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yep! Let the stew cool completely, then pop it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat for a quick, comforting meal.
Classic Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe Card
Classic Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
Beef & Veggies:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat cut into chunks
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Broth & Seasoning:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional for Thickening:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water for slurry
Instructions
Prep & Sear (Optional):
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides for extra flavor.
Layer the Crockpot:
- Add carrots, potatoes, and onion to the crockpot. Place seared beef on top.
Mix the Broth:
- In a bowl, whisk beef broth, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, thyme, and paprika. Pour over beef and veggies.
Cook:
- Low: 8-10 hours
- High: 4-6 hours
Thicken (Optional):
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir into the stew and let it thicken.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or biscuits.
Notes
- Add peas, green beans, or other veggies during the last hour for variety.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months.
And that’s it, besties—your ultimate beef stew crock pot recipe is ready to shine! Whether you’re tackling a busy weekday or just want to cozy up with some comfort food, this easy beef stew recipe hits all the right notes. It’s hearty, flavorful, and so dang simple to make.
If you’re into crockpot recipes beef stew or just need a simple beef stew crock pot recipe that the whole fam will devour, this is it. It’s one of the best crock pot beef stew options out there—perfect for when you’re juggling a million things but still wanna nail dinner.
So grab your slow cooker, toss in that stew beef, and let it work its magic. There’s just something about a hearty beef stew crockpot meal that makes life feel a little more together, even if the house is chaos (because, let’s be real, it always is).
Tag me if you make it—I wanna see your slow cooker stew recipes in action! And if your kids are anything like mine, they’ll be slurping this up like it’s the best thing ever. Pro mom move, right?
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