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A steaming bowl of classic crockpot beef stew with tender chunks of beef and vegetables.

Classic Crockpot Beef Stew

A hearty and comforting Classic Crockpot Beef Stew, featuring tender beef, root vegetables, and a rich savory broth, slow-cooked to perfection. This easy recipe is ideal for a satisfying family meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Slow Cooker
  • Paper Towels
  • Small Bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Beef Stew Meat
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 large Yellow Onion chopped
  • 3-4 medium Carrots peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 Celery Stalks chopped
  • 3-4 medium Potatoes Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 4 cups Beef Broth
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • ½ teaspoon Dried Rosemary
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • Salt and Black Pepper To taste
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch or Flour mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water if using cornstarch
  • Fresh Parsley for garnish, optional

Seasoning

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the beef dry, season with salt and pepper, then brown in batches in olive oil in a large skillet until a crust forms. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
  • In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the sautéed vegetables from the skillet to the slow cooker with the beef.
  • Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and a bay leaf, then stir to combine all ingredients.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  • Add chopped potatoes 1.5-2 hours before the end of low cooking, or 45-60 minutes for high cooking; if desired, thicken the stew by stirring in a cornstarch or flour slurry during the last 30 minutes.
  • Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning as needed, then ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, use a rich, homemade beef broth. Adjust the thickness of your stew by adding more or less slurry. This stew tastes even better the next day!