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Crockpot Beef Stew

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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time6 hours
Total Time6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6

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
  • cups beef broth
  • 1 –2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  • Add stew meat to the bottom of the crockpot and toss with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  • Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and bay leaves on top of the beef.
  • Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Cover and cook on high for 4–6 hours or on low for 8–10 hours, until beef is tender.
  • Remove bay leaves before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

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.