Beef Stew Crock Pot Recipe
Nothing brings comfort like a slow-cooked beef stew bubbling away in a crock pot. Rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful, this dish makes the house smell incredible and the meal feel like a warm embrace. Whether it’s a cold winter day or a weekend dinner that calls for minimal effort but maximum reward, beef stew in the crock pot never disappoints.
What makes this dish so popular is the tenderness of the meat, the perfectly cooked vegetables, and the way all the flavors meld together over hours of gentle simmering. It requires only a bit of chopping in the beginning and then time does the rest. By the time you are ready to eat, the beef is fork-tender, the broth is full-bodied, and the vegetables have soaked up all the delicious flavor.
Using a crock pot means less babysitting and more consistent results. The slow cooker brings out the best in even tougher cuts of meat, turning them into something luxurious without needing expensive ingredients or complicated steps. This beef stew recipe is designed to be approachable, satisfying, and easily adaptable to whatever is in your fridge or pantry.
Ingredients Needed
Here is a full list of ingredients for this crock pot beef stew, along with estimated calorie counts.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Beef chuck (cubed) | 2 pounds | 1600 |
| Carrots (sliced) | 3 medium | 75 |
| Potatoes (cubed) | 3 medium | 330 |
| Yellow onion (chopped) | 1 large | 60 |
| Celery stalks (sliced) | 2 | 20 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | 30 |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons | 24 |
| Beef broth | 4 cups | 60 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| All-purpose flour (for coating) | 1/4 cup | 110 |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon | 3 |
| Bay leaf | 1 | 0 |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | 0 |
Estimated Total Calories (entire pot): ~2567
(Serves about 6 portions)
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by seasoning the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Toss them in a bowl with flour until each piece is lightly coated. This step helps the meat develop a nice sear and slightly thickens the stew during cooking.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, turning occasionally until each side has a golden crust. Do not overcrowd the pan. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crock pot.
In the same pan, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until softened. Add tomato paste and stir until it darkens slightly and coats the onions. This step builds a richer base for your stew.
Transfer the onion mixture to the crock pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the thyme and drop in the bay leaf. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking, as it can affect the temperature and slow down the process. After cooking, remove the bay leaf and check for seasoning. Add salt and pepper if needed.
The stew should be thick, rich, and aromatic. If you want a thicker broth, mash some of the potatoes with a fork and stir them into the stew before serving.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Feel free to adjust this recipe based on your taste or what you have available. Add mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips for extra variety. Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.
You can also use other cuts of beef like brisket or round roast. For a deeper flavor, use half red wine and half beef broth. Just be sure to let the alcohol cook off fully during the sautéing stage if you do.
Add fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley toward the end for a fresh finish. If you want a smoky touch, stir in a spoon of smoked paprika or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
To make it gluten-free, skip the flour and instead thicken the stew later with a cornstarch slurry.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (1 of 6) contains approximately:
- Calories: 428
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
This hearty stew is protein-rich and filling while still offering a good amount of fiber and essential nutrients from the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve beef stew hot in deep bowls with a slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even rice if you want to stretch the portions.
For a refreshing contrast, pair the rich stew with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives just before serving adds color and a pop of freshness.
Leftovers taste even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth if needed.
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Conclusion
Beef stew made in the crock pot is one of those meals that never goes out of style. It is comforting, deeply flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Just a few steps in the morning and by dinnertime, you have a hearty dish ready to enjoy.
This recipe brings together tender beef, soft vegetables, and a rich broth that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for leftovers that taste better each day, this slow-cooked classic always delivers.