I’ve always believed that a good beef stew can fix more than just hunger—it’s the kind of meal that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a cold night. This comfort crockpot meal doesn’t demand fancy skills or hours chained to the stove. Instead, it gives you the freedom to toss in the basics, set the slow cooker, and walk away knowing dinner will be hearty, rich, and deeply satisfying. I like how this dish brings together tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions that practically melt into each other. The slow simmer does all the heavy lifting. It’s one of the best beef stew crock pot recipes I’ve made, and it always gets a smile at the table. Honestly, this is the kind of food that makes people linger a little longer over dinner. If you’ve been hunting through stew meat recipes crock pot easy or scrolling for crockpot stew meat recipes, this one checks all the boxes. It’s as simple as layering, seasoning, and letting the magic happen. It belongs right up there with classic stew recipes crockpot lovers swear by, and it fits perfectly into your list of beef crock pot recipes. Think of it as your go‑to when you want stew meat recipes crock pot slow cooker beef to taste like it’s been tended to all day, even when you’ve been busy with everything else.

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Crock Pot Beef Stew
- 4) How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew
- 5) Tips for Making Crock Pot Beef Stew
- 6) Making Crock Pot Beef Stew Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Crock Pot Beef Stew
- 8) Try these Main Course next!
- 9) Crock Pot Beef Stew
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- Rich and hearty beef stew that cooks low and slow
- A comfort crockpot meal perfect for family dinners
- Easy prep, then let the crock pot handle the work
- Great for leftovers and make-ahead meals
2) Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
I like recipes that ask very little of me yet reward me as if I’ve spent the day hovering over the stove. This comfort crockpot meal is one of those gems. You chop a few things, stir once or twice, and then you walk away. Hours later, the beef is tender, the potatoes are soft, and the broth has turned into something rich and inviting.
For me, this stew brings back memories of snowy evenings when the windows fogged up and the kitchen smelled like garlic and thyme. It’s not fussy, but it feels like a gift to yourself at the end of the day. If you’ve been looking for the best beef stew crock pot recipes, this one will definitely find its way onto your repeat list.
It’s practical too. From stew meat recipes crock pot easy to full crockpot stew meat recipes, you get the flavor without the extra effort. This stew sits proudly next to other stew recipes crockpot lovers adore and it even holds its own against long-loved beef crock pot recipes.

3) Ingredients for Crock Pot Beef Stew
Beef Stew Meat: I start with about two pounds of beef stew meat cut into cubes. It’s affordable, hearty, and once it simmers all day, it’s so tender that it falls apart on the fork.
Carrots: Four large carrots, sliced into chunky rounds. They add sweetness and color, and I think they balance the richness of the beef perfectly.
Potatoes: Three potatoes peeled and chopped. They soak up the broth and add that starchy comfort we all crave.
Onion: One onion chopped. It doesn’t steal the show, but it’s the foundation of flavor.
Garlic: Three cloves minced. Garlic is always welcome in my kitchen and here it makes the broth bold.
Beef Broth and Wine: Four cups broth and one cup red wine. You can swap the wine for more broth, but I like the depth the wine adds.
Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce: A couple of tablespoons of each to bring out umami flavors.
Herbs: Dried thyme, rosemary, and two bay leaves. They remind me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house.
Seasoning and Thickener: Salt, pepper, and a cornstarch slurry if you want the broth thicker.

4) How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew
Step 1. Place the beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic into the crock pot. I like to layer them so everything cooks evenly.
Step 2. Pour in the broth and wine. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. This mix starts to smell wonderful even before it cooks.
Step 3. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and seasoning. Stir gently to combine everything.
Step 4. Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 6 hours. The long cook time makes the beef tender and flavorful.
Step 5. If you want a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last half hour of cooking.
Step 6. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Scoop into bowls, maybe add a chunk of bread, and enjoy.

5) Tips for Making Crock Pot Beef Stew
I’ve found a few things that make this stew better every time. Browning the beef first is one of them. It’s not required, but if you have ten extra minutes, the flavor payoff is worth it.
Another thing is not to skimp on the seasoning. The herbs and spices seem like small details, yet they build the backbone of flavor that makes this stew memorable.
Finally, resist the urge to lift the lid too often. Each time you peek, heat escapes and the cooking slows. Trust the process and let the crock pot do its job. When the stew is ready, it’ll be obvious by the smell alone.
6) Making Crock Pot Beef Stew Ahead of Time
This beef stew is one of those meals that actually improves when made ahead. The flavors mingle, the broth thickens, and the beef soaks up even more of the herbs. If I know I’ll be short on time during the week, I’ll prepare it the night before.
Sometimes I store everything chopped and seasoned in the fridge, then dump it into the crock pot in the morning. By dinner, the house smells like comfort food heaven. This works especially well for stew meat recipes crock pot slow cooker beef.
When reheated, the stew holds up well. Just keep it covered and heat gently. The texture stays rich and the flavors deepen.
7) Storing Leftover Crock Pot Beef Stew
Leftovers never go to waste in my kitchen, especially with this stew. I store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. When I reheat, I add a splash of broth or water to freshen it up.
If I’ve made a big batch, I’ll freeze portions for another week. It freezes beautifully and tastes just as good when thawed slowly. For busy nights, pulling out frozen beef stew feels like a small victory.
This is one of the many beef crock pot recipes that doubles as both dinner and future meal prep. I love how versatile it is.
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Crock Pot Beef Stew

Comfort Crockpot Meals Easy Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 4 large carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can sub with broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Place the beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic in the crock pot.
- Pour in the beef broth and red wine. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
- Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 6 hours, until the beef is tender.
- If you want a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 bowl, Calories: 420, Protein: 32 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Fat: 18 g, Fiber: 4 g, Sodium: 760 mg
Written by Lila for Lila Cooks






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