This crock pot beef stew is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy meals.
Tender beef, vegetables, and rich seasonings come together in a slow-cooked dish that’s comforting and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a no-fuss, slow-cooked stew packed with tender beef and vegetables.
The slow cooking allows flavors to deepen and the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or serving a crowd.
The rich, savory broth is thickened just right and easy to serve over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chuck roast – The best cut for slow cooking; becomes tender and flavorful.
Carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes – Classic stew vegetables that balance sweetness and earthiness.
Beef stock and red wine – Provide a deep, savory base for the stew.
Mushrooms – Add umami and a meaty texture to complement the beef.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic, and Italian herbs enhance every bite.
Cornstarch – Thickens the stew for a luscious consistency.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Brown the beef in batches to develop rich flavor and color.
Dice vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
Use slightly more cornstarch if you prefer a thicker stew.
Add delicate vegetables like green beans toward the end to prevent overcooking.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew
Step 1 – Prep the vegetables and beef
Finely dice two carrots and cut the remaining three into 2½-inch pieces.
Season 3½ pounds of chuck roast cubes with 1 teaspoon salt.
Step 2 – Brown the beef
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown beef on all sides in batches, about 15 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker.
Step 3 – Cook aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Sauté diced celery, carrots, and onion until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add 6 minced garlic cloves and cook 2 minutes.
Pour in ¾ cup red wine and simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 4 – Assemble in slow cooker
Add wine mixture to slow cooker with 4 cups beef stock, 2 teaspoons bouillon, remaining 2 teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ pound halved mushrooms.
Cook 4 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW.
Step 5 – Add vegetables and thicken
Mix 3 tablespoons cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water.
If cooking on HIGH, 1½ hours before done, stir in cornstarch slurry, carrot pieces, green beans, and potatoes.
If cooking on LOW, 3 hours before done, add slurry and vegetables.
Step 6 – Serve
Ladle stew into bowls and sprinkle with minced parsley.
Serve warm with bread or over mashed potatoes.
What to Serve Them With
Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the rich broth.
Pair with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a hearty meal.
Add a side salad for a fresh balance to the rich stew.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap cremini mushrooms for button or shiitake mushrooms.
Use Yukon gold or red potatoes instead of russets for a slightly waxy texture.
Add parsnips or turnips for extra root vegetable flavor.
Storage & Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the stew tastes even better the next day after flavors meld in the fridge.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Chuck roast is best, but brisket or short ribs can also work.
Do I have to brown the beef?
Browning adds flavor, but you can skip for a quicker version.
Can I make it in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for about 35–40 minutes, then release naturally.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Fresh is preferred, but frozen green beans or carrots can be added toward the end of cooking.
Can I thicken without cornstarch?
Yes, use flour slurry or reduce the broth by simmering before serving.
How long can leftovers last?
3–4 days in the fridge, up to 2 months in the freezer.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, mild seasonings make it suitable for all ages.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Absolutely, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs before serving.
What if I want a thicker stew?
Increase cornstarch slightly or simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
Final Thoughts
This crock pot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food — rich, hearty, and packed with flavor.
It’s simple to make, perfect for meal prep, and sure to become a family favorite.
