Name: Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491473H7M8S
Total time: PT-491473H7M8S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite‑sized pieces; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 celery ribs, sliced; 2–3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 oz tomato paste; 32 oz beef broth; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 cups baby carrots; 4–5 small red potatoes, cut into bite‑sized pieces (about 3 cups); 1 tablespoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup frozen corn; 1/4 cup all‑purpose flour; 1/4 cup water

A bowl of this hearty crockpot beef stew brings everything I want in a comforting meal: melt-in-your-mouth beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a flavorful broth that’s been slowly building richness all day. This is the kind of meal I love to serve on chilly evenings or when I’m feeding a crowd with minimal effort. It’s a classic slow-cooked recipe that warms the heart and fills the belly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite‑sized pieces

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 celery ribs, sliced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2–3 cloves garlic, minced

6 oz tomato paste

32 oz beef broth

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 cups baby carrots

4–5 small red potatoes, cut into bite‑sized pieces (about 3 cups)

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 cup all‑purpose flour

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup frozen corn

1/4 cup water

Directions

I start by placing the beef, onion, celery, carrots, potatoes, salt, pepper, garlic, parsley, and oregano into my crockpot.

Then I pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and tomato paste, stirring gently to mix everything together.

I cook it on LOW for about 10 hours, or on HIGH for 6–7 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.

About 30 minutes before serving, I mix the flour and water together to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew to help thicken the broth.

I add the frozen peas and corn, give everything a good stir, and let it cook for the remaining 30 minutes, uncovered.

Once the stew is thick and the added veggies are warmed through, it’s ready to serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 6–10 hours

Total Time: 6–10 hours 10 minutes

Estimated Calories: ~324 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the red potatoes for Yukon gold or even sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter touch.

If I’m out of beef broth, I use chicken broth with a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.

For a richer taste, I like browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot — it adds a little extra flavor.

To make it gluten-free, I replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener.

When I want to add more greens, a handful of chopped spinach or kale stirred in at the end does the trick.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When I reheat it, I use the stovetop or microwave until it’s steaming hot. If the stew thickens too much in the fridge, I just add a splash of water or broth while reheating. For longer storage, I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How do I make the stew thicker?

I use a flour-and-water slurry to thicken the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If I want it even thicker, I reduce the broth slightly or mash some of the potatoes.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, I sometimes use chuck roast, cut into cubes. It’s affordable and becomes super tender after slow cooking.

Is it okay to cook this overnight?

Absolutely. I often let it cook on LOW overnight and wake up to a fully cooked meal ready to be packed for lunch or reheated for dinner.

Can I skip the tomato paste?

The tomato paste adds richness and depth, but if I don’t have any, I substitute it with a couple of tablespoons of ketchup or leave it out for a lighter broth.

What can I serve with this beef stew?

I love serving it with crusty bread, biscuits, or even over mashed potatoes for extra comfort. A side salad also makes a nice pairing.

Conclusion

This hearty crockpot beef stew is a go-to in my kitchen when I need something warm, filling, and easy. It’s the perfect one-pot meal that fits into busy days without sacrificing flavor. With its flexible ingredients, freezer-friendly portions, and minimal prep, it’s no wonder I keep coming back to this comforting classic.

📖 Recipe:

Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 6–10 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

A comforting, hearty crockpot beef stew with tender beef, soft vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly nights or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.