Hey, mama! If you’re like me, you know the struggle of juggling kids, housework, and everything else that comes with being a busy mom. But that doesn’t mean you want to skip on a hearty, delicious dinner, right? That’s why I’m so excited to share this easy beef stew recipe with you! It’s the kind of meal that practically cooks itself—thanks to my trusty crock pot.
If you’ve been looking for beef stew crock pot recipes easy fast, or maybe you’re in the mood for hearty beef stew crockpot or simple beef stew crock pot recipes, then you’ve come to the right place. This best beef stew crock pot recipe is full of flavor, super filling, and requires hardly any effort. Plus, it’s the perfect crock pot slow cooker meal for those days when you just don’t have time to slave over the stove.

This recipe is so simple, I can almost make it with my eyes closed (okay, not really, but you get the idea ). With just a few basic ingredients and some beef stew meat (or you could even use ground beef if that’s what you have), you’ll have the best crock pot beef stew cooking away while you do other things. Seriously, it’s one of those slow cooker beef stew easy meals that everyone in the family will love!
And if you’re looking for ideas like crockpot stew, slow cooker recipes beef stew, or slow cook beef stew crockpot recipes, this one has got you covered. It’s got everything you want in a hearty stews slow cooker meal: tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and all the seasoning to make it pop. You can even toss in some ground meat soup recipes crock pot for a different twist!
I’m sure once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to crockpot recipes beef stew. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (cut into chunks)
- 4 large potatoes (peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup frozen peas or corn (totally up to you, but it adds a nice touch!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Okay, first things first. We need to brown the beef to make it super flavorful. Heat up your olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, throw in your beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. This just takes a few minutes and helps lock in all the flavor. Once it’s looking good, move the beef into the crockpot. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked all the way through; it’s gonna cook more in the crockpot!
2. Chop the Veggies:
Next up, chop up your potatoes, carrots, and onion. I love chunky stew, so I don’t mind big pieces, but you can make them smaller if you prefer. Toss them into the crockpot along with your minced garlic. Oh, and if you’re adding peas or corn (which I highly recommend for a pop of color and flavor), add those in now too!
3. Add Broth & Seasonings:
Now for the fun part! Pour in your beef broth (this is where all the liquid and goodness comes from), then sprinkle in your thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together a little bit to make sure the seasonings are evenly spread out.
4. Set & Forget:
Cover the crockpot and let it do its magic. You can cook it on low for 6-8 hours if you’ve got time, or on high for 3-4 hours if you need it done quicker. Either way, you’re gonna end up with a stew that’s rich, flavorful, and so satisfying.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Once it’s all cooked, give it a little taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to (more salt, maybe some pepper). Serve it up hot, and enjoy all the cozy vibes that come with a big bowl of stew. 🍲 Your whole family will love it!
A Few Extra Tips:
- If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing step, but it does make the stew taste even better, so I totally recommend it when you can!
- Sweet potatoes are a great swap for regular potatoes if you want something a bit different, or if you’ve got them hanging out in your pantry.
- Want a thicker stew? Just mash some of the potatoes with a spoon in the crockpot to make it creamier!
This recipe is seriously a life-saver for busy days. My kids always gobble it up and ask for more, which makes me feel like a total superhero!
FAQs for the Best Chunky Potato and Beef Stew
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Yes, you can absolutely use ground beef for this recipe! Just keep in mind that ground beef will break apart more during cooking, so the texture will be a little different than using stew meat. If you’re looking for a smoother stew, ground beef is a great option.
Can I cook this on high if I’m in a hurry?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can cook the stew on high for 3-4 hours instead of the usual 6-8 hours on low. Just keep an eye on it to make sure the meat becomes tender.
Can I freeze leftover beef stew?
Absolutely! This stew freezes really well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
Do I have to brown the meat before adding it to the crock pot?
While it’s not necessary, browning the meat adds a lot of flavor to the stew. If you’re in a rush, you can skip that step and just throw everything in the crock pot. It’ll still be delicious, but browning does bring out a deeper flavor.
Recipe Card: Chunky Potato and Beef Stew
Chunky Potato and Beef Stew
What You Need:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup frozen peas or corn
How To Make:
Sear the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Brown the beef stew meat on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Transfer to the crockpot.
Prep the Veggies:
- Add chopped potatoes, carrots, onion, and minced garlic to the crockpot. If using peas or corn, add them too.
Add Broth & Seasonings:
- Pour in the beef broth, sprinkle in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Serve:
- Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- For thicker stew, mash some potatoes in the crockpot toward the end of cooking.
- If in a rush, skip browning the beef, but it does add flavor!
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months!
So, there you have it—your new go-to beef stew crock pot recipe that’s perfect for busy days! Whether you’re a fan of crockpot recipes beef stew or just need an easy beef stew recipe, this one is sure to hit the spot. It’s one of those beef stew crock pot recipes easy fast that comes together with little effort but delivers big on flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use beef stew meat or even ground beef if that’s what you have on hand.
This hearty beef stew crockpot is so satisfying and perfect for those chilly days when you need something warm and filling. It’s packed with tender meat and vegetables, making it one of the best crock pot beef stew recipes out there. Trust me, the kids will love it, and you’ll feel like a supermom for having such an easy recipe with stew meat that’s also packed with nutrients.
The beauty of this slow cooker beef stew easy recipe is that you can throw everything in your crock pot slow cooker and get on with your day. Whether you’re looking for crock pot soup, hearty stews slow cooker, or simple beef stew crock pot recipes, this one has you covered. And if you’re in the mood for some variation, try switching up the veggies or even adding ground meat soup recipes crock pot to change things up.
If you try it, don’t forget to pin this for later and let me know how it turned out. I promise, this will become one of your favorite crockpot stew recipes in no time. Happy cooking, mama
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