On a hectic day, it’s a small miracle to throw ingredients into a slow cooker and come home to dinner that makes the house smell like love. This Crock Pot Beef Stew is exactly that—it delivers tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth with almost no effort. It’s comfort food perfected by simplicity, built from pantry staples, and elevated by slow-cooking magic.
Every pot is a reminder of meals with loved ones gathered around the table. Late afternoons when the pot simmers away, building flavor, and evenings when the lid lifts to steam, aroma, and warmth—this stew gives all that, plus a tasty hug in every bite. Let’s dive into how to make it your new weeknight hero.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Effortless prep with big rewards
- Rich and hearty flavor
- Comfort food at its best
- Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
- Built-in flexibility
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 2½ lbs stew meat (beef chuck for tenderness)
- 16 oz frozen green beans
- 3 whole carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 russet potatoes, peeled and diced (large pieces hold shape)
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
1. Layer the Ingredients Thoughtfully
Start by placing the stew meat and large potato chunks at the bottom of your slow cooker—these need the most direct heat. Layer green beans, onions, and carrots on top so they cook gently. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce, followed by water. Season with salt and pepper, and tuck in the bay leaves to infuse aroma as everything cooks.
2. Set the Slow Cooker and Let It Work Its Magic
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 3.5–4 hours. The meat should become tender, vegetables soft, and the broth rich and flavorful.
3. Final Touches Before Serving
When done, let the stew rest with the lid on for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld further and the broth to settle into perfect balance.
Variations to Tailor to Your Taste
- Thicker Broth: Stir in a slurry of 2 tbsp cornstarch with water 15 minutes before serving.
- Herbal Lift: Toss in sprigs of thyme or rosemary, or bay leaves.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.
- Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms or plant-based meat and vegetable broth.
- Extra Vegetables: Add parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for more texture.
Tips for Slow‑Cooking Success
- Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking
- Sear the meat first in a skillet to deepen flavor and color
- Layer ingredients smartly to protect delicate veggies
- Avoid shortcutting the cook time—low and slow wins
- Adjust seasoning after cooking for best flavor
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the broth
- Pair with steamed greens or a crisp salad to balance the richness
- Try alongside mashed potatoes or buttered noodles
- Enjoy with a light red wine or herbal tea
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Beef Stew captures everything we love about hearty, home-cooked meals—rich flavor, cozy aroma, and easy execution. A humble combination of meat, vegetables, and broth turns into a soul-warming supper with just a few hours in the slow cooker.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or relaxed weekend, this stew brings comfort without complexity. After one bowl, you’ll see why it’s destined to be a staple in your meal rotation.
Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2½ lbs stew meat beef chuck for tenderness
- 16 oz frozen green beans
- 3 whole carrots peeled and sliced
- 3 russet potatoes peeled and diced (large pieces hold shape)
- ½ onion chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
Layer the Ingredients Thoughtfully
- Start by placing the stew meat and large potato chunks at the bottom of your slow cooker—these need the most direct heat. Layer green beans, onions, and carrots on top so they cook gently. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce, followed by water. Season with salt and pepper, and tuck in the bay leaves to infuse aroma as everything cooks.
Set the Slow Cooker and Let It Work Its Magic
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 3.5–4 hours. The meat should become tender, vegetables soft, and the broth rich and flavorful.
Final Touches Before Serving
- When done, let the stew rest with the lid on for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld further and the broth to settle into perfect balance.
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