Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe: Hearty Comfort in Every Spoonful

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, hearty bowl of beef stew. This Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food—packed with tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that simmers all day to perfection. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, coming home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal that feels like it’s been lovingly prepared all day long.

This stew combines the smoky warmth of smoked paprika with the sweetness of carrots and the subtle licorice notes from fennel, giving it a unique depth that elevates the classic beef stew. Potatoes add a creamy texture while the garlic and Worcestershire sauce deepen the savory flavor profile. The result is a rich, satisfying stew that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-off cooking — the slow cooker does all the work while you relax.
2. Rich, deep flavors thanks to smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and slow simmering.
3. Tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables — the ideal balance of textures.
4. Versatile and filling — a complete meal in one pot.
5. Easy to customize — add your favorite veggies or adjust seasoning to taste.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Beef, cut into cubes
• Kosher salt and pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Yellow onions
• Fennel bulb
• Carrots
• Baby Yukon gold potatoes
• Garlic cloves
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato paste
• Bay leaves
• Cornstarch

Variations

• Swap fennel with celery or parsnips if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Use red potatoes or russet potatoes instead of Yukon gold.
• Add mushrooms or peas during the last hour of cooking for extra veggies.
• For a thicker stew, increase cornstarch slurry or use flour instead.
• Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Brown the beef in batches until all sides are nicely seared. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté onions, fennel, carrots, and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add the browned beef, sautéed vegetables, potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and bay leaves into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Slow Cook

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

Step 5: Thicken the Stew

About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew to thicken the broth. Cook for the remaining time uncovered.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Remove bay leaves and adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Browning the beef before slow cooking locks in flavor and improves texture.
• Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
• Add delicate vegetables like peas or green beans near the end to keep them vibrant.
• Use homemade or high-quality beef broth for the best taste.
• Don’t skip the thickening step if you want a hearty stew consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this stew piping hot with crusty bread, over creamy mashed potatoes, or with buttered egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a bright, fresh finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   Yes, chuck roast or stew meat work best for tender results.
2. Do I have to brown the beef?
   Browning adds flavor but you can skip it if short on time.
3. Can I cook this on high all day?
   High setting takes about 4-5 hours, but low is preferred for tenderness.
4. How do I thicken the stew without cornstarch?
   Use flour or reduce the liquid by cooking uncovered near the end.
5. Can I prepare this in an Instant Pot?
   Yes, brown beef and sauté veggies in sauté mode, then pressure cook for 35-40 minutes.
6. Is fennel essential?
   No, celery or extra onion can be used instead.
7. Can I add frozen vegetables?
   Add frozen veggies in the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking.
8. What if my stew is too salty?
   Add extra broth or a peeled, raw potato to absorb excess salt.
9. Can I use vegetable broth?
   Beef broth is preferred for flavor but vegetable broth works in a pinch.
10. How can I make the stew spicier?
    Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or smoked chipotle powder.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe is a fail-proof way to enjoy a rich, comforting meal with minimal effort. Its tender beef, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables come together perfectly for a dish that warms you from the inside out. Whether for a cozy family dinner or meal prep, this stew is a timeless classic you’ll return to again and again.

Print