Easy Crockpot Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes – Best Slow Cooker Recipe for Busy Families

If you’re looking for the best beef stew crock pot recipes that are easy, fast, and straight-up delicious, you’re in the right place. As a mom of three, I know how crazy life can get—between school drop-offs, soccer practices, and figuring out why there’s glitter on the dog (again), dinner needs to be simple but still feel homemade. That’s where this Crockpot Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes comes in.

This is one of my go-to slow cooker beef stew recipes because it checks all the boxes: hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re working with stew beef, ground beef, or whatever you’ve got on hand, this easy beef stew recipe delivers every time. Just toss the ingredients into your trusty crock pot (or slow cooker), and let it work its magic while you tackle your day. It’s basically like having a personal chef… except the chef is you, and the magic is your crockpot.

So, whether you’re into slow cooker stew recipes, need ideas for stew beef, or just want a simple beef stew crock pot recipe to keep the whole family happy, this one’s for you. Bonus? It’s a total lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cozy. Let’s make it happen!

What Makes This Stew So Special?

• Sweet potatoes add a twist: I love how sweet potatoes give this stew a natural sweetness. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins and make me feel like I’m sneaking something healthy into the kids’ bellies.
• Set-it-and-forget-it vibes: Because who has time to babysit a pot on the stove? Not me.
• Leftover gold: It reheats like a dream, and you can even freeze it for those “I can’t deal” nights.

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What You’ll Need

Don’t stress—these are super simple ingredients, and you can totally swap things out if needed.

• 1 ½ lbs beef stew meat (cut into bite-size chunks)
• 3 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped into chunks)
• 3 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced—I just smash ‘em and call it a day)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste—be your own judge)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef, but no pressure)

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Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional)

Okay, I’m gonna be honest. Most days, I skip this step because who has time? But if you’ve got 10 extra minutes and wanna be fancy, heat some olive oil in a pan and brown your beef chunks on all sides. It gives the meat extra flavor, but trust me, the stew will still be delicious if you skip it.

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Step 2: Prep the Veggies

Peel and chop your sweet potatoes, carrots, and celery. Dice the onion. Don’t worry about perfect cuts—this is a stew, not Top Chef. And if your toddler insists on “helping,” just embrace the chaos and chop a little faster.

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Step 3: Load Up the Crockpot

Here comes the easiest part. Dump the beef (browned or not), all your chopped veggies, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, and seasonings into your crockpot. Don’t forget the bay leaf—it’s like the secret ingredient that nobody notices but makes everything better.

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Step 4: Set It and Forget It

Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. That’s it. You’re free to conquer the world—or, more realistically, the laundry pile.

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Step 5: Check & Adjust

About 30 minutes before dinner, give the stew a little taste test. Need more salt? Add it. Want it thicker? Mix 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water, then stir it in. Let it cook a little longer to thicken up.

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Step 6: Serve It Up

Ladle that cozy goodness into bowls, grab some crusty bread, and watch your family dig in. I swear, even my picky eater cleans her plate when this is on the table. If you wanna get fancy, sprinkle a little parsley on top and call yourself a chef.

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Pro Mom Tips

• Veggie Boost: Got peas or green beans? Toss ’em in during the last 15 minutes for extra color and nutrients.
• Make Ahead: This stew is perfect for meal prep. Freeze leftovers in single portions for a quick, no-fuss lunch.
• Rice or Bread? My kids love it over rice, but I’m a crusty bread kinda gal. You do you.

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There you have it—Crockpot Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes, aka dinner perfection. It’s warm, hearty, and basically feels like a hug in a bowl. Let me know if your family loves it as much as mine does! And hey, if you’ve got any crockpot magic recipes, drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for more ways to survive the dinner rush.

FAQs About Crockpot Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes

Crockpot Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes

And there you have it, y’all—one of the best beef stew crock pot recipes that’s as easy as it is delicious! Whether you’re searching for a quick dinner fix or just need a comforting meal for your family, this Crockpot Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes checks all the boxes. It’s one of those slow cooker beef stew recipes you’ll come back to over and over because it’s hearty, simple, and packed with flavor.

As a mom of three, I totally get how hectic life can get, but recipes like this make me feel like I’ve got it together—even on the craziest days. Whether you’re using stew beef, ground beef, or just making a cozy crock pot soup, this recipe is a lifesaver.

So, the next time you’re staring at that pack of stew meat and wondering what to do, give this easy beef stew recipe a shot. It’s a no-fail, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Trust me, your family will thank you (or at least eat without complaints—which is a win, right?).

Now go grab your crockpot, load it up, and let it do the work while you handle everything else. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this slow cooker stew recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Enjoy, friends! And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out—or if you have any fun twists to make this even better. Happy cooking!