Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew - Simply Happy Foodie (2024)

Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe tastes just like the stew mom used to make. This is one of the ultimate comfort foods! No need for packaged soups in this hearty beef stew. With lots of fresh vegetables and tender beef chunks in a flavorful sauce, the taste is fresh and delicious! This crockpot beef stew recipe makes good amount, so you can feed a crowd!

Originally Published 11/4/2018

Classic Crockpot Beef Stew

Nothing says comfort food like a bowl of a hearty, homemade beef stew! Slow cooking is the best way to get the most flavorful beef stew, and is an uncomplicated way of making it.

This is a great recipe, and reminds me of the beef stew like mom used to make. There is so much flavor in this hearty classic beef stew recipe, and it is so comforting on a cold day.

This easy beef stew recipe makes a hearty meal that feeds the whole family (average size).

Is This Beef Stew Thick?

• Yes, and you can control how thick it is quite easily.
• Since we thicken the stew using a thickener, in this case instant tapioca (or flour, cornstarch, etc.), you can add the amount I indicated in the recipe, then add more if you want an even thicker gravy (sauce).
• If it ends up too thick you can thin it out with a little beef broth.

Equipment Needed for This Recipe

• I recommend using a 7 or 8-quart size slow cooker for this recipe, as it makes a lot. If you use a 6-quart crockpot, just reduce the potatoes and carrots if you think it won't all fit.
• Sharp Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Beef Stew Ingredients

For exact measurements, please see the recipe card at te bottom of this article.
• Beef Stew Meat – Chuck Roast is the best, cubed.
• Bay Leaves – Or sub Oregano.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves – Or use dried Thyme Leaves (not ground). or Italian Seasoning.
• Garlic Cloves – Pressed or minced. Fresh has the best flavor, but use what you have (or garlic powder).
• Kosher Salt – Or half the amount of regular table salt.
• Black Pepper – Or White Pepper
• Celery – Or raw Fennel Bulb, chopped.
• Carrots – Chopped regular or use whole baby carrots.
• Potatoes – Scrubbed and cubed.
• Mushrooms – Baby Bella or White Button, sliced (optional).
• Onions – White or Yellow work well. Or use Pearl Onions.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Sub Soy Sauce if needed.
• Beef Stock – Or Beef Broth. Low sodium, if possible (or reduce salt to taste).
• Beef Bouillon – A cube or use a Tablespoon of base (granules or paste). Enhances the beefy flavor.
• Tomato Paste – Adds depth of flavor and richness.
• Dry Red Wine – Or use Balsamic Vinegar for a brightness of flavor.
• Vegetable Juice – such as V8 juice, or tomato juice, tomato sauce, or use a can of tomato soup.
• Quick Tapioca Granules – such as Minute® Tapioca, or mix all-purpose flour or cornstarch into the tomato juice to make a cornstarch slurry.

What is the Best Beef Stew Meat?

•Traditional beef stew is made with stew beef.
•I like to use Chuck Steak, or beef chuck roast cut into cubes. That is the best meat to use in a beef stew recipe because it has fat and connective tissues that break down with a long cook time.
•That makes for the most tender meat with the best rich flavor.

Which Potatoes Work Best in Beef Stew?

• I think the best potatoes to use are the ones that you have!
• But really, most types of potatoes will work just fine: Red Potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, Russet potatoes, or baby potatoes.
• Cut the chunks large enough to withstand all-day cooking, but not too big. Don't cut baby potatoes

What Vegetables Go in Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Green beans, onion, carrots, potatoes, root vegetables such as turnips or rutabaga, celery, tomatoes, etc.

Do I Need to Add Red Wine to Beef Stew?

• No, you don't have to add a cup of red wine to beef stew. You can just use a cup of beef broth in place of wine.
• Try a little balsamic vinegar if you have it; about 1-2 Tablespoons.

How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew

1. Gather together all of the ingredients you will need. Prep all of the vegetables, and cube the meat into 1-inch cubes.
2. Add the raw beef cubes to the slow cooker, the the onion, bay leaf, and all of the other ingredients, except the vegetable juice and tapioca (thickener).

Tip: For added flavor, brown the beef cubes in a little olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat before adding to the slow cooker. It's an extra step, but worth it!

3. In a bowl or 4-cup measuring cup, stir together the vegetable juice and the tapioca granules. Then pour the mixture over everything in the crockpot.
4. Cook on Low for 8-9 hours, or High for 5-6 hours of cooking time, stirring halfway through, until the meat is fork tender and the vegetables are also to desired tenderness.
5. Thicken more if needed (you will need to let it cook a few more minutes).
6. Then garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
7. Remove thyme stems and bay leaves, and stir. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
8. Serve with some crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls!

Can I Use a Dutch Oven?

• Yes you can. You can add everything except the tapioca (or thickeners: flour, cornstarch, etc.) as instructed above.
• Simmer on low heat with the lid on for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat and vegetables are tender.
• For added flavor, brown the beef cubes in a little olive oil in the Dutch oven before adding the other ingredients.
• You might also like my Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe

How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Stew

Beef stew doesn't need much, just serve it with some crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls and plenty of butter. Maybe a side salad, if you like.

How to Store Leftover Crock Pot Beef Stew

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Beef stew is even better the next day!

More Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes for You to Try

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Try making this classic Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe for your next Game Day or casual get together. Your guests will be complimenting you on how delicious it is!