If you have been searching for that perfect cozy meal to warm you up from the inside out, this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what your kitchen has been missing. Imagine tender chunks of beef slowly simmered with hearty Yukon potatoes, sweet carrots, and vibrant peas, all swimming in a rich, savory broth that’s been perfected in the crockpot. It’s comfort food at its finest, effortlessly combining robust flavors and satisfying textures to create a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, making the end result both delicious and satisfying. From the starchy Yukon potatoes that soak up every bit of the stew’s goodness, to the aromatic seasonings that create a full-bodied taste, these essentials are easy to find and even easier to love.
- 2 cups beef broth: Provides a savory, flavorful base that simmers all the ingredients together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic aroma that enriches the stew without overwhelming it.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Gives the stew a gentle, warming kick to balance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and pulls all the flavors together perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon: Boosts the beefy richness and deepens the overall taste.
- 1 ½ pounds golden Yukon potatoes (cut into chunks): These tender yet firm potatoes add substance and soak up the stew’s hearty flavors.
- 2 cups sliced carrots: Bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced): Adds complexity and natural sweetness as it cooks down slowly.
- 1 cup frozen sweet peas: Tossed in at the end for a fresh pop of green and gentle sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the stew into a luscious, gravy-like consistency.
- 3 tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry, ensuring the stew thickens evenly.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Start by pouring the beef broth into the crockpot—this flavorful liquid is the heart of the stew. Add the cubed stew beef, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, beef bouillon, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce if you have it on hand. Stir everything gently to combine all those savory components. This step sets the tone for the stew’s deeply satisfying taste and makes sure every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Layer Your Veggies
Next, it’s time to bring in the vegetables. Carefully layer the chunks of Yukon potatoes, sliced carrots, and onions over the seasoned beef in the crockpot. The layering helps the veggies cook evenly and allows their natural sweetness and texture to shine through in the finished stew.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes fork-tender and the vegetables soften perfectly, all while melding those glorious flavors together. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time is truly something to look forward to.
Step 4: Stir in Sweet Peas
In the last few minutes of cooking, add the frozen sweet peas right into the crockpot. This will keep the peas fresh and vibrant, preventing them from becoming mushy while adding a beautiful pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness.
Step 5: Thicken with Cornstarch Slurry
To create that beautifully thick, spoonable stew consistency, make a slurry by whisking together three tablespoons of cornstarch with three tablespoons of water until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the crockpot, stirring constantly. This step transforms the broth into a luscious gravy that coats every ingredient with rich flavor.
Step 6: Final Cook and Serve
Cook the stew on high for an additional 10 minutes or until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. This last interval ensures everything is perfectly tender and the flavors have had one final moment to mingle. Now your Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish from comforting to downright special. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves adds a bright, herbal freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich stew. If you like a bit of tang, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar cheese can bring an extra creamy dimension.
Side Dishes
This stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls is pure bliss—perfect for sopping up every last delicious drop. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonderfully to balance the meal, adding a crisp freshness to accompany the stew’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stew inside hollowed-out bread bowls—this adds a rustic charm and an extra layer of flavor. You could also present it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a different texture experience. No matter how you plate it, this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that shines every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheated, the beef will remain tender and the vegetables will keep their texture, making it just as enjoyable as fresh.
Freezing
If you want to keep this comforting meal on hand for busy days, freezing is a great option. Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stew gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to reawaken all those wonderful flavors. If it thickens too much upon reheating, simply stir in a splash of beef broth or water until it reaches your favorite consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape nicely and add a creamy texture, russet or red potatoes will also work. Just be mindful that some varieties may cook faster or become softer, so chop accordingly.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot?
While browning beef can add more depth of flavor, this particular Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe skips that step for convenience, relying on slow cooking and seasoning to build rich taste. If you have extra time, searing the beef first is a tasty upgrade.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the beef (optional), then pressure cooking on high for about 35 minutes. Add the peas and thicken the stew after pressure cooking as directed.
How can I make this stew thicker without cornstarch?
If you prefer to avoid cornstarch, mashed potatoes or a flour slurry can be used as thickening agents. Another method is to let the stew cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid.
Can I add other vegetables to this Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, celery, parsnips, or even green beans. Just consider their cooking times so everything finishes perfectly tender and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and slow cooking can come together to create something truly comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family or craving a hearty solo meal, it’s a cozy classic that invites you to relax, savor, and enjoy. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share the warmth with loved ones!
Print
Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Beef Stew combines tender beef, golden Yukon potatoes, sweet carrots, and peas in a rich, flavorful broth thickened to perfection. Slow-cooked for hours, it delivers a comforting, easy-to-make meal ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ pounds golden Yukon potatoes, cut into chunks
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 cup frozen sweet peas
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
- Worcestershire sauce (amount unspecified, estimate 1 tablespoon)
- Cubed stew beef (amount unspecified, estimate 1.5 to 2 pounds)
Instructions
- Combine broth and seasonings: Pour the beef broth into the crockpot and add cubed stew beef, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, beef bouillon, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Layer vegetables on beef: Arrange the chunks of golden Yukon potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced onion on top of the seasoned beef mixture inside the crockpot.
- Cook stew slowly: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef becomes tender enough to easily pierce with a fork.
- Add sweet peas: A few minutes before the cooking time ends, stir the frozen sweet peas into the crockpot, allowing them to warm through.
- Thicken the stew: Prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the crockpot while stirring continuously, allowing the stew to thicken.
- Finalize cooking: Continue cooking on high for an additional 10 minutes or until the gravy reaches your preferred thickness, then turn off the heat and serve.
Notes
- If Worcestershire sauce is unavailable, a splash of soy sauce can be a substitute for depth of flavor.
- For a thicker stew, increase cornstarch to 4 tablespoons and water accordingly.
- Any stew beef cut can be used but choose well-marbled pieces for tenderness.
- Adjust seasoning at the end based on taste preference, especially salt and pepper.
- Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking can enhance the aroma and flavor.
