Crockpot Beef Stew is a classic slow cooker recipe made with tender stew meat, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. By cooking low and slow, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the potatoes and vegetables soak up all the savory flavors. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Crockpot Beef Stew because it’s incredibly simple, comforting, and full of deep, homemade flavor. With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the work, turning basic ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal. The beef cooks until perfectly tender, the vegetables become soft but not mushy, and the broth thickens naturally for a rich, savory stew. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Crockpot Beef Stew

Crockpot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, especially when you want a warm, filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This slow cooker version keeps things simple while delivering classic, rich flavors.

Using stew meat allows the beef to break down slowly over time, resulting in tender, juicy pieces that practically melt in your mouth. Coating the meat lightly with flour helps thicken the stew as it cooks.

Potatoes add heartiness and make this stew a complete meal in one bowl. As they cook, they absorb the flavorful broth and contribute to the stew’s thick, comforting texture.

Carrots, celery, and onion form the classic base of a traditional beef stew. These vegetables soften beautifully in the crockpot and provide natural sweetness and depth.

Beef broth and Worcestershire sauce work together to create a savory, well-balanced flavor. The Worcestershire adds umami and richness without overpowering the dish.

Bay leaves gently infuse the stew with subtle herbal notes as it cooks. Removing them before serving ensures the flavor remains smooth and balanced.

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the vegetables or seasonings based on what you have on hand.

This crockpot beef stew is perfect for meal prep because it tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers incredibly delicious.

It’s also ideal for colder months when you crave hearty, warming meals that feel homemade and nourishing.

Whether served on its own or with crusty bread, this crockpot beef stew is a timeless recipe that delivers comfort in every bite.

Servings & Time

Servings: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (high) or 8–10 hours (low)
Total Time: Up to 10 hours

Ingredients

• 1 package stew meat

• 1–2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2–3 celery stalks, sliced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 small bay leaves

• 1½ cups beef broth

• 1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Add stew meat to the bottom of the crockpot and toss with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

2. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and bay leaves on top of the beef.

3. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.

4. Cover and cook on high for 4–6 hours or on low for 8–10 hours, until beef is tender.

5. Remove bay leaves before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Tips

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist.

• Add peas or green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Replace Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce for similar umami flavor.

Make-Ahead

• Chop vegetables the night before and store in the fridge.

• This stew freezes well for up to 3 months.

Serving Variations

• Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls.

• Spoon over mashed potatoes for extra comfort.

• Garnish with fresh parsley for added freshness.

Avoid Mistakes

• Don’t skip seasoning the meat first—it builds flavor early.

• Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain consistent heat.

• Remove bay leaves before serving.