There’s nothing quite like a hearty, soul-warming bowl of beef stew, and this Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe is the ultimate in comfort food. With tender beef cubes, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth, this stew is everything you need on a chilly day or whenever you’re craving a filling, satisfying meal. The slow-cooking process in the crockpot allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich, flavorful dish with minimal effort.

The key to this beef stew’s deliciousness lies in the combination of smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste, which creates a deeply savory, slightly smoky flavor profile. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the carrots, potatoes, and fennel soak up the broth, adding texture and sweetness. With garlic and bay leaves rounding out the flavor, this stew has all the elements of a classic dish, made even better with the convenience of your crockpot. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this stew is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Let the crockpot do all the work for you—just prep, set, and forget.
Tender Meat: The slow cooking process ensures that the beef is incredibly tender and flavorful.
Rich, Savory Broth: A perfect blend of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste creates a depth of flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days.
Classic Comfort Food: A timeless recipe that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Beef (cut into 1 ¼-inch cubes)
Kosher salt
Pepper
Smoked paprika
Yellow onions (diced)
Fennel bulb (diced)
Carrots (peeled and cut into cubes)
Baby Yukon gold potatoes (halved or quartered)
Garlic (minced)
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Tomato paste
Bay leaves
Cornstarch

Variations

Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
Spicy Stew: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Herb Twist: Swap out the bay leaves for rosemary or thyme for a different herbal note.
Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based protein like lentils or seitan and vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative.
Smokier Flavor: Add some diced smoked sausage for extra smokiness and flavor depth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1:

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with kosher salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Brown the beef in batches, making sure to sear all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 2:

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onions, fennel, and carrots for about 5 minutes, or until softened.

Step 3:

Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4:

Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the crockpot. Add the halved or quartered potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and bay leaves. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 5:

Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 6:

About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew to thicken the broth.

Step 7:

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8:

Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown the Beef: Don’t skip browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot—it helps develop a richer flavor.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or peas to the stew for extra texture and flavor.
Control the Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the broth by adding more beef broth if the stew gets too thick.
Use Low-Sodium Broth: If you’re watching your salt intake, opt for low-sodium beef broth and adjust seasoning as needed.
For Extra Flavor: Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the beef, then add it to the crockpot for extra depth.

How to Serve

Serve the stew hot with a side of crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up the flavorful broth.
Pair with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the stew.
For a complete meal, serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta.
Top with fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for added color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This stew stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing

Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the stew on the stove over low heat. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I use stew meat instead of beef cubes?

Yes, stew meat works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to brown it properly before adding it to the crockpot.

2. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add parsnips, turnips, peas, or any root vegetable you like.

3. What’s the best way to thicken the stew?

Mixing cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stirring it into the stew works well to thicken the broth.

4. Can I use red wine in this recipe?

Yes, adding a splash of red wine when sautéing the vegetables and browning the beef can enhance the flavor.

5. Can I cook this stew on the stovetop instead?

Yes, you can simmer the stew on low heat for about 2–3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

6. What can I use instead of fennel?

If you don’t like fennel, you can substitute it with more onion, celery, or leeks.

7. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can use chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer.

8. How can I make the stew spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the stew for a little heat.

9. Can I use other types of potatoes?

Baby Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal, but you can also use russets or red potatoes.

10. Can I make this stew in advance?

Yes, this stew can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. The flavors will deepen and meld overnight.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Beef Stew is the epitome of comfort food, offering a satisfying blend of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich, savory broth. With minimal prep and a long, slow cook, it’s perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a warm, filling meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this beef stew will become a go-to recipe that everyone will love. Cozy, delicious, and made easy in your crockpot—what’s not to love?