When the air turns crisp and the day winds down, nothing beats the welcoming aroma of a slow-cooked meal waiting for you. This classic crock pot beef stew is the kind of dish that wraps you in comfort and makes your house feel like home.
One evening last fall, I came home after a long, rainy day. The moment I stepped inside, the savory scent of beef and herbs greeted me like an old friend. The tender chunks of meat, softened carrots, and fluffy potatoes promised a meal that wasn’t just food but a soothing experience. Sitting down with a bowl of this stew, I felt every worry fade away. The warmth spread from my hands holding the bowl to my heart, reminding me why slow-cooked meals hold such a special place in our lives.
- Rich, savory broth that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas.
- Tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables that melt in your mouth.
- Hands-off cooking lets you relax while the crock pot does the work.
- Comfort food that’s perfect for chilly evenings or casual family dinners.
- Easy to store and reheat for meals throughout the week.
If you’re worried about spending hours in the kitchen, this stew is a game-changer. Just prepare it, set the crock pot, and come back to a hearty, soul-soothing meal without the fuss.
PrintClassic Crock Pot Beef Stew
A hearty and comforting beef stew slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot, featuring tender beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, and a rich savory broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cold water
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the crock pot.
Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crock pot.
In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the all-purpose flour and cold water in a small bowl until smooth to create a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the crock pot to thicken the stew. Cover and cook on high for the remaining 30 minutes.
Remove bay leaves before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
FAQ
Can I prep the stew the night before? Absolutely. You can brown the beef and chop the vegetables ahead of time, then refrigerate everything in the crock pot insert overnight. Just start cooking in the morning.
Is it okay to freeze leftovers? Yes, this stew freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
Can I use different vegetables? Feel free to swap in what you have on hand, like parsnips or celery. It won’t change the comforting essence of the stew.
What if I don’t have a crock pot? You can make a similar stew on the stovetop or in the oven, but the slow cooker really brings out that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with minimal effort.
Once you try this classic crock pot beef stew, it’s easy to see how it becomes a trusted staple. Give it a go and find your own cozy moment. Save it, print it, and make it your new favorite way to end the day.