Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

Crockpot Beef Stew is a meal-in-one packed with tender meat and veggies swimming in the most amazingly flavorful gravy broth!  

Crockpot Beef Stew is easy, hearty, comforting and SO good you won’t be able to stop at just one bowl!  You will be amazed at the luxurious thick gravy broth (no watery broth here!) and the buttery tender beef.   This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the perfect make-ahead dinner, reheats beautifully and you can double the recipe for a crowd.  I’ve included tips and tricks, how to make ahead, how to freeze and more!

Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe Video  

Slow Cooker Beef Stew - this is the best beef stew recipe I have ever tried! Super flavorful and SO Easy! You will want to drink the gravy broth!


 

CrockPot Beef Stew

This Crockpot Beef Stew joins the ranks of my other favorite slow cooker beef recipes: Slow Cooker Beef Brisket,  Beef Stroganoff,  Beef Tips and Gravy, Italian Beef, Mississippi Pot Roast and French Dips,   In each recipe, the meat emerges melt-in-your mouth tender, richly satisfying and infused with epic flavor from cooking in its spiced bath all day.  It might just be the longest day of your life.

But this Crockpot Beef Stew is SO worth the wait with its juicy beef and fork-tender vegetables smothered in luscious, perfectly seasoned gravy broth.  It is an old comforting classic waiting to become a new family favorite!  So, prepare to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe.

Why We Love this Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe!

  • Crockpot does the work.  This Slow Cooker Beef Stew combines my favorite ways to make an EASY meal – soup and the slow cooker!  The most time-consuming part of this soup is the chopping of your carrots, celery, potatoes, onions and garlic.  But, it’s easy and mindless and a perfect way to put your kids to work.  I loved helping my mom prep her stew – especially because I knew the deliciousness that was on the other end.
  • Thick gravy broth.   The silkiness and flavor of the Beef Gravy Broth is what makes this Crockpot Beef Stew the “Best” in my opinion.  Not only is it lusciously thick, but the combination of crushed tomatoes, beef consommé, beef broth, soy sauce, Dijon mustard and the bevy of hand-picked spices: paprika, oregano, thyme and cumin, infuse the beef and vegetables with flavor as they simmer all day, filling your home with the savory aroma of anticipation.
  • Crowd pleaser.  There simply isn’t anything more comforting than a big bowl of hearty beef stew drowning in luscious beef and tomato-infused sauce.  It’s like a warm blanket that warms you from the inside out with every heaping slurpful. Even your pickiest eater will be clamoring for more beef stew!
two hands holding a bowl of old fashioned beef stew showing what's in it:  beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, gravy
  • Meal-in-one.  This Crockpot Beef Stew is loaded with beef and veggies so it’s a meal-in-one all made in your crockpot!  You can skip the sides all together because it is stand-alone worthy or serve it with no-fuss sides like a simple green salad and bread.
  • Makes a large quantity.  This easy Crockpot Beef Stew makes a hearty crockpot full so its perfect for large crowds, dinner parties or company.
  • Less Expensive.  a crockpot full of beef stew feeds the whole family with some tantalizing leftovers to spare at the fraction of the price of dining out.
  • Make Ahead.  Crockpot Beef Stew can be started in the morning and then welcome your bellies at night OR it can be made days in advance and reheated because it tastes even better the next day!
  • Freezer friendly.  You can freeze Slow Cooker Beef Stew and pull it out for busy nights ahead!
ingredient icon

Slow Cooker Beef Stew Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

two hands showing how to serve beef stew by holding with two hands and garnishing with parsley

showing how to make Slow Cooker Beef Stew by adding beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions and garlic to crockpot. !

showing how to make  crockpot beef stew by adding gravy to the slow cooker

  1. Cut of beef: As previously discussed, boneless chuck roast will deliver fall apart tender results due to its rich marbling.  If you choose another cut of beef, be aware it might not deliver as spectacularly tender results.
  2. Sear beef: Searing seals in the juices so the beef doesn’t dry out when cooked for an extended period of time.  The caramelized crust achieved by the Maillard reaction also delivers a rich, depth of flavor that can’t be achieved any other way.  I brown my beef in my cast iron skillet in order to achieve a deeply golden crust.  If you don’t have a cast iron pan, then any heavy bottom pan will do, it will just take a little longer.  Take care to work in batches and not to overcrowd your pan or else the beef will steam and not sear.
  3. Cook until tender.  I learned this trick from my Mom’s Crazy Tender Pot Roast.  If your beef isn’t crazy tender, then cook on!  It just means the proteins needs more time to break down and tenderize. Even 30 more minutes in the crockpot can make the world of difference between an “okay” beef and melt-in-your-mouth beef.
top view of old fashioned crockpot beef stew in two bowls garnished with parsley

What to Serve with this Beef Stew Recipe

Since you’ve already have meat and vegetables in your Crockpot Beef Stew, side dishes can be minimal.  My Moist Sweet Cornbread would be a delicious addition or softy and fluffy Dinner Rolls or Parmesan Breadsticks would also be great to sop up your stew with!   If you’re looking for some greens, I HIGHLY suggest my wedge salad and for fruit, either my Perfect Fruit Salad or Winter Fruit Salad.

Beef Stew Recipe Crock Pot FAQs

Do you have to cook the meat before you put it in the slow cooker?

You do not have to cook meat before you put it in the slow cooker but I HIGHLY recommend it.  If you don’t sear your meat beforehand, you will miss out on the complex caramelized flavor that comes from the deeply golden crust.  You can’t fake this rich flavor any other way.  A beef stew without seared meat can hardly be called stew in my opinion.

crockpot beef stew with gravy in a bowl with potatoes, carrots, onions, celery and beef

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two hands holding a bowl of old fashioned beef stew showing what's in it: beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, gravy

Beef Stew Recipe (Crock Pot)

Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a meal-in-one packed with tender meat and veggies swimming in the most amazingly flavorful gravy broth!   It’s easy, hearty, comforting and SO good you won’t be able to stop at just one bowl! 
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours

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Ingredients

Beef Stew

  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 4-5 medium red potatoes, chopped (about 1 pound)
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 4 stalks celery, sliced thick (1/4”-1/2”)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bay leaf

Beef Gravy Broth

Instructions

  • Chop meat into bite size pieces. While meat is still on the cutting board, toss it with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add half of the beef to the very hot skillet and let cook undisturbed for approximately 2 minutes, or until nicely seared on one side, then continue to cook while stirring until beef is browned all over but not cooked through. Remove beef to 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Repeat with remaining beef.
  • Add all of the vegetables and garlic to the slow cooker and toss with the beef.
  • Add all the the Beef Gravy Broth ingredients to the now empty skillet (wipe out excess grease but leave brown bits). The flour will be lumpy at first but will dissolve as you cook and continue to whisk. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer until thickened to the consistency of gravy. Add to slow cooker and toss to combine. Add bay leaf. The Gravy will be very thick but will thin to the perfect consistency as moisture is released from the vegetables as they cook.
  • Cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours or on LOW for 8-10 hours or until vegetables and beef are very tender. Discard bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Video

Notes

Don’t miss the “how to make” recipe video at the top of the post!
**May substitute low sodium beef broth if you are unable to find beef consommé.

PREPARE AHEAD

  • Veggies:  you can pre-cut all your veggies the night before you plan on cooking your Slow Cooker Beef Stew and place them in an airtight container.
  • Potatoes:  Once you cut the potatoes, starch is released which will cause them to brown, so make sure you submerge them in water to prevent this discoloration. Simply place the potatoes in a bowl or airtight container, cover with water then cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Beef:  you can chop your beef into 2-3” pieces the night before.  You can even sear the beef the night before.  Make sure your beef cools to room temperature before sealing in an airtight container or zip bag and placing in the refrigerator.
  • Gravy:  You can whisk all of the gravy ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
  • Everything:  You can completely assemble the Crockpot Beef Stew IN the crockpot and refrigerate the ceramic insert.   This makes for a hassle free, no fuss morning! Just be aware you may need to add additional cooking time and a little extra broth at the end of cooking.

HOW TO FREEZE BEEF STEW

I don’t suggest freezing Slow Cooker Beef Stew with potatoes because potatoes turn into a bizarre, mushy texture.  You can risk it if you’re not as picky about texture or remove the potatoes before freezing.  To freeze:
  1. Cool: Allow Crockpot Beef Stew to cool completely before freezing to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.
  2. Package:  Transfer soup to an airtight freezer safe container or freezer bag.  You can even use sandwich size plastic bags for individual stew portions.  Squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn and label
  3. Freeze. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  4. Defrost/Reheat. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then reheat in the microwave, crockpot or stove according to aforementioned instructions.

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69 Comments

  1. Dorothy Dunton says

    Hi Jen! A good beef stew makes me very happy and I am smiling big right now! Give me some crusty bread to sop up the gravy… 🙂 I like to add cut green beans at the end of the cooking time, just something I’ve always done.

    • Jen says

      So happy this beef stew could make you smile Dorothy! I love the idea of adding cut green beans at the end of cooking time – I am going to have to try that!

  2. Karen Grissen says

    Another great looking recipe that I’m printing as I’m typing this. Made your french dips last Sunday and they were a HUGE HIT by everyone except me. The only reason they weren’t by me was because I wasn’t lucky enough to get to eat one. Something wrong with that picture. :o( Question, is beef stock be consommee similar? I’ve had a hard time finding comsommee at my grocery store.

    • Jen says

      Hi Karen, that is SO wrong you didn’t get to eat your own cooking! boo! It sounds like they need to let you serve yourself first from now on :)! Beef Consomme has a richer, more intense flavor because it is concentrated by simmering down but you should be able to substitute beef broth for beef consomme without too much of a difference. I hope you can taste this and enjoy it this time!

  3. Josh Davies says

    Hey Jen! You have officially become our one-stop dinner source. The stew is wonderful in rainy Provo! Thanks for making the most of life!
    -Josh Davies

    • Jen says

      Hi Josh, its so good to hear from you (and I owe you an e-mail 🙂 ) and I love hearing that you are making my recipes, thank you! I’m glad this stew could be enjoyed on a cold rainy day – sounds perfect! Love to you and your amazing family!!

  4. Laura says

    Hi Jen! Made this dish last night, and it was perfect! Exactly what I was craving with this chilly fall weather, and really easy to throw together. I used gluten-free flour (Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 GF flour), and found I needed a touch more than 1/3 C to get the consistency right. Will definitely be coming back to this recipe – thanks for sharing it!

    • Jen says

      You are so welcome Laura and I am so happy you were able to easily make it gluten free – yay! Thanks for taking time to comment!

  5. Lorna says

    This was the best beef strew I have made yet. I had to adjust a few things to what I had available and to make less but it was wonderful. Thank you.

    • Jen says

      Awesome Lorna, thank you SO much! I so appreciate you taking the time to brighten my day! I hope you find more recipes to love here!

  6. Maria says

    I have made this stew numerous times and it turns out 10/10 delicious every time! Like another reviewer mentioned I haven’t yet found the beef consomme at my local grocery store, but it could be that I’m not looking for the right product. I used beef stock instead and like I said before, it’s always a hit!

    • Jen says

      Awesome Maria, I’m thrilled to hear this is a 10/10 and that you’ve made it so many times! And good to hear beef broth does just the trick – thank you!

    • Vicky says

      Maria, I’ve found that Campbell’s makes beef consomme and it’s usually found in the soup section of the grocery store.

  7. Val Nagle says

    I would love to make this slow cooker stew.
    I am in Australia.
    Can you please help me out with the following ingredients?
    1 10.5 oz. can beef consommé **
    1 15 oz. can low sodium beef broth

    We have ready made stock here and stock cubes.
    Thx you

    • Jen says

      Hi Val! You can absolutely use ready made beef stock – just replace the beef consommé and beef broth with it and then add salt to taste instead of the recipe amount. Enjoy!

  8. Susan says

    I made this recipe over the weekend and it was absolutely delicious! My family loved it and it is definitely a keeper.
    Thanks!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much Susan, I am thrilled it is a new family fav!

  9. Lori says

    I have made this recipe numerous times and it is amazing every time. The robust beef flavor is like no other stew I have made in the past!! The only stew recipe i will use going forward 🙂

    • Jen says

      I love hearing this is your favorite go-to beef stew recipe! Thank you so much Lori!!!

  10. Gerald says

    Silly question. Do I use beef consomme and beef stock? Or is it one or the other? Rookie cook here. Thanks,
    Gerald

    • Jen says

      No worries Gerald! You will want one can of each – so both. You will need one 10.5 oz. can beef consommé and one 15 oz. can low sodium beef broth. If you can’t find beef consommé, then you can replace it with beef stock.

  11. Alexander says

    Hi! I made this recipe today and it was PERFECT!!!! We actually served it over steamed white rice… beyond excellent. Corn bread probably would have been great with it but I didn’t think ahead so I didn’t have the ingredients for it. Rolls worked well. Having made your lasagna recipe several days ago (still impressed with how that turned out) and now trying this second recipe from your site, I can’t WAIT to try a 3rd! Soooo happy right now. Thank you!!

    • Jen says

      I’M so happy right now – thank you Alexander for making my day! I’m thrilled you loved both my lasagna and beef stew recipes! I hope continue to enjoy exploring my site and hopefully I’ll be 3 for 3 with your next recipe!

  12. Jennifer Fulk says

    Hi Jen! I can’t wait to try this. Do you think I could use a sirloin tip roast instead of chuck? I happen to have a sirloin tip in the freezer that is just the right size. Thanks for info. This recipe looks great.

    • Jen says

      Hi Jennifer, sirloin tip roast is the least inherently tender cut of roast, so it can be used but probably won’t be as tender.

  13. Jennifer Fulk says

    Well here’s a silly question. I was looking in my weekly grocery ad for what’s on sale. They have Beef Chuck Boneless Shoulder Roast. Is this the same as chuck roast? Can it be used in the stew?

    • Jen says

      Absolutely, that’s perfect!

  14. Kathy Oaks says

    I’ve made this recipe twice now, and it is absolutely delicious! You’re right, using chuck roast is SO much better than stew meat, but stew meat will work if that is all you have. Thanks for the great recipe!

    • Jen says

      You’re so welcome Kathy, I’m so pleased this Crockpot Beef Stew is such a winner – and yay for chuck roast!

  15. Jennifer Fulk says

    I thought this stew was just amazing. The tomato gravy and the way it’s prepared is a stroke of genius. I love the way you take traditional recipes and give them your own little spin to make them better. I added Worcestershire sauce because I pretty much add it to everything with red meat. My go- to condiment I love. It was so great to have the stew ready and the perfect consistency when it was finished. I hate having to mess with it at the end and try to thicken it. I will be using this recipe from now on. Added frozen petite peas and fresh minced parsley last 15 min because I love peas in stew and the green looks pretty. Thank you!

    • Jen says

      Thanks for your comments Jennifer! I’m sorry I’m slow in responding as I’ve been swamped for the holidays – but I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! I’m so pleased you loved this Beef Stew so much and your additions sound tasty! I am right there with you – I don’t like thickening after cooking and especially with cornstarch – never comes out right – so the tomato gravy was born – I’m so happy you’re a fan!

  16. Monica says

    Made this for my daughter and son-in-laws honeymoon camping trip. Very delicious. Thank you.

    • Jen says

      You’re so welcome Monica, I’m so pleased it was a winner! Congrats to your daughter and son-in-law!

  17. Jennifer says

    Hi Jen, do you trim the fat chunks off the roast or do you leave the fat on there? My husband thinks I should leave the fat on for more flavor but I am worried there will be fat chunks in the stew, which I do not want.

    • Jen says

      Hi Jennifer, I always trim the excess fat – there is still plenty of marbling within the pieces to make them super flavorful.

  18. Roxanne C Montijo says

    Finally a stew I can add to my recipe book!! I have tried so many stew recipes that have been such a let down. Nothing like waiting 8 hours for something that ends up being just ok. My husband made sooo many mmmm noises at dinner I knew it was definitely a keeper. I definitely enjoyed it too myself. I too was making mmm noises. I hate having to alter recipes. I’ve had to do this before. I often read the comments and when I see a bunch of changes being made by the others who have made it I know it’s not worth making. But when I came across yours and didn’t see that I knew I had to try it, no altering whatsoever!! It’s so flavorful!! Thank you so much for sharing! My go to recipe from now on! Can’t wait to try your lasagna!! Oh and I’m not even the one who cooks in my house. My husband is the cook. Yes I’m spoiled!!

    • Jen says

      What a glowing review! Thank you so much, Roxanne, I am thrilled you and your husband loved this! I have been working my way through a backlog of comments and see yours somehow got lost in the mix! I appreciate you and hope you’re well!

  19. Debbie says

    I have to say. Every recipe I have made from you has been delicious. I made the koren bq, chicken buffalo ranch, beef stew and brisket. All have beem amazing. You are my first go too for recipes. Thank you.

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment Debbie! I am so honored I’m your go-to for recipes and thrilled you’ve loved everything so far! I hope the streak continues!

  20. Stephanie says

    This beef stew was as tasty as it was easy to throw together. I love your slow cooker meals for the days this momma doesn’t feel like doing real cooking, hahaha. Had 2 cookers going, also making your beef barbacoa for gazillionth time (for your enchiladas later in the week), it’s a family favorite to the point I’m swatting my kids hands out of the pot after I’ve shredded it because it’s so darn good they won’t stop eating it.

    • Jen says

      Lol! I love the visual of swatting hands! I love how you plan ahead and are always making tasty meals!

  21. Nancy A Paine says

    Delicious! Easy, and the gravy thing really works! Yes, the lumps go away, and yes, you can use gluten free flour. I made it in my Dutch oven, on the stove (after browning meat in skillet), doubled recipe, and it took about 3 hours, total!

    • Jen says

      Thanks so much for taking the time to comment/review Nancy! I’m so pleased this was a winner!

  22. Amy says

    Absolutely delicious ! Followed precisely, no changes or additions and can’t wait to have leftovers tomorrow. And THANKS for heads up on potatoes and night before pre-prep tips !

    • Jen says

      You’re so welcome Amy, thank you for leaving such an awesome review! I’m so pleased this beef stew was such a hit!

  23. Brina says

    You knocked this recipe out of the park! My family is picky and we all loved it. I served it over white rice. I see us having this one quite often. Can’t wait to try more tried and true recipes.

    • Jen says

      Welcome to Carlsbad Cravings Brina! I’m so pleased you loved this recipe and I hope you enjoy exploring my site!

  24. JC says

    Jen, I’m excited to make this as as soon as it gets chilly, I love trying new recipes, and every one I have tried by you is terrific! Could you please include the nutritional information per serving for this? I know it varies with ingredients used, but just a basic list with ingredients that you use would be fine!! Thank you!!

  25. Debbie Grantham says

    Excellent stew. My husband and I loved it. The flavors were perfect. My husband doesn’t like canned tomatoes, so I omitted the tomatoes and replaced it with beef broth. Turned out very well. I think this recipe is easily customizable while still keeping the flavor. I highly recommend it.

    • Jen says

      Thanks so much for the glowing review and recommendation Debbie!

  26. Jen M says

    Every one of your recipes that I have made has not only blown my husband and I away with how much flavour and depth you pack into a dish, but our kids ALWAYS ask for seconds and thirds when we make a recipe from your site!

    This was incredible night of, and just as amazing reheated the next day. Such a great dish to have on a cold, snowy, Canadian day!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much for making my day Jen! I’m honored your entire family is loving my recipes and that this was no exception! THANK YOU! xo

  27. Stacy Nichols says

    This stew is so delicious! I have tried so many of your recipes and have loved every one!! Thank you for all your awesome recipes!

    • Jen says

      You are so welcome, Stacy! I am delighted you are loving my recipes! I’m so happy this was another winner!

  28. Heather says

    Can this be made in the Instant Pot?!?

  29. Shelly says

    This recipe is a family favorite! It’s always the first soup recipe asked for when the weather starts to cool off.

    • Jen says

      Thanks so much for sharing Shelly! It is such a comfort dish!

  30. Tammy says

    My first beef stew I’ve ever made. So delicious and simple. So glad it didn’t have red wine in it…

    • Jen says

      Hi Tammy! I’m so glad you loved it! Food doesn’t have to be hard to make in order to be delicious 🙂

  31. Bri says

    I just made this over the weekend because my boyfriend has been craving stew all month…VERY HAPPY with this meal. I didn’t change a thing, and usually I’m the first person to doctor up a recipe.
    6/5 stars! Will absolutely make this again. Thank you so much for your culinary sorcery.

    • Jen says

      Hi Bri! Thank you so much for your sweet review! Cooking great food can be magical, right?! 🙂 I’m so glad you both enjoyed this recipe!!

  32. Shannon says

    This recipe is a 10 out of 10!! It will be the only one I use going forward for beef stew. The gravy was absolutely perfect and made a wonderfully flavorful broth. No more thin, watery beef broth stew for us!! The only addition to the recipe is that I added a splash of cabernet sauvignon to the stew just before serving 🙂
    Thank you for such an awesome recipe!

    • Jen says

      Yay Shannon! Thank you for such a rave review! I’m so happy that you loved this recipe! Gotta love comfort stews!

  33. Karen says

    Jen, Thank you so much for this amazing crockpot beefstew recipe!!!! My husband came alive with joy after his first bites of this delicious stew! This after a work day and 2 hour commute He invited his golf buddies over this weekend to to share it with. I had recently sorted thru and tossed expired spices. Even without thyme, Dijon mustard or beef consommé or bay leaves- it was amazing! I used more unsalted beef broth a little extra regular soy sauce and preseasoned lightly with kosher salt and pepper before serving. I kept the red potatoes a bit larger so they wouldn’t break down and cooked about 8?1/2 hours. Going to make an encore this week doubling the recipe. I may even cook an additional stew in Dutch oven to share with neighbors. I will be ordering your book as well! All the best to you!

    • Jen says

      Wow Karen! That makes me so happy to hear that you and your husband loved this dish! Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience and for sharing the love with your neighbors! (Lucky neighbors!) I hope you enjoy exploring my cook book as well! Hugs!

  34. Jeff says

    I made the stew last night for friends at a card party. Everyone loved it. It’s the best stew I have ever made 5 stars.

    • Jen says

      Hi Jeff! So thrilled that you and your friends loved this dish! Thank you for your five star review! 🙂