Description
This Crock Pot Beef Stew is a cozy, one-pot classic filled with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply savory broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a comforting, fuss-free meal ideal for chilly nights, busy days, or make-ahead meal prep. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this stew is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
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2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cubed
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3 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped
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2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped
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1 cup celery, chopped
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1 large onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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4 cups beef broth
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2 bay leaves
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried rosemary
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
Instructions
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Season beef with salt and pepper. Optional: Sear in a hot skillet until browned on all sides.
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Place beef in the crock pot with potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
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Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and pour in beef broth to just cover ingredients.
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Add bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours, until beef and vegetables are tender.
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About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water into a slurry. Stir into stew to thicken.
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Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
Notes
Searing the beef adds rich flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
For extra depth, replace 1 cup of broth with red wine.
Add peas or green beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Substitute cornstarch with flour if preferred.
Leftovers are even more flavorful the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crock pot beef stew, slow cooker stew, beef stew recipe, comfort food