Crock Pot Beef Stew (+Video)

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A simple, rib-sticking crock pot beef stew that is perfect for cold days! A thick, chunky stew full of beef, potatoes and vegetables!

A THICK AND FLAVORFUL HOMEMADE STEW

With fall and winter approaching (I know, I know - not quite there yet! But I am thinking ahead) I like to come up with recipes that are good "fix-it and forget-it" crock pot meals. If you own an electric pressure cooker, be sure to check out my Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe!

The Best Crock Pot Chunky Beef and Potato Stew shown close up in a black crock pot being stirred by a wooden spoon.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Do you have to brown stew meat before putting it in the crock pot?

No you do not. However, you are missing out on flavor if you sleep that step. It not only creates a gorgeous color to the meat but it also adds depth of flavor as well.

Can you overcook beef stew in a slow cooker?

Yes. It is possible. But it would have to be quite a long period of time for that to happen. Especially if you are cooking it on low. Now, the beef itself can handle the low and slow cooking for an extended period of time. However, the carrots and potatoes are going to start breaking down and will turn to mush if cooked for longer than the recommended time.

Can you put raw beef in a slow cooker?

Yes. That's exactly what we are doing here since all we're doing is browning the outside of the meat.

What is stew meat made from?

Stew meat is generally made from chuck steak, round steak, sirloin or even short ribs. It is just cut up by the butcher to make it easier for you to prepare your stew.

What if I can't find stew meat?

Stew meat is very common in U.S. supermarkets. I will say that sometimes they cut it rather large and I end up dicing it up smaller. However, if you can't find stew meat, just dice up some of the meats listed in the above question.

How do I store leftover beef stew?

Beef Stew can be stored in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 6 months.

beef stew shown in an oval slow cooker with a wooden spoon inserted into the beef stew.

BEEF STEW INGREDIENTS: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)

beef stew meat
all-purpose flour
olive oil
beef stock
fire-roasted diced tomatoes
little potatoes
onion
celery
baby carrots
Worcestershire sauce
balsamic vinegar
dried oregano
minced garlic
bay leaf
salt and pepper
cornstarch

baby potatoes, onion, beef stew meat, diced tomatoes, garlic, beef stock, carrots, celery

HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT BEEF STEW:

Chop up the celery and onion and slice little potatoes in half.

Begin heating up the olive oil in a large skillet. I have a slow cooker that also has a saute setting so that I can brown meat so that's what I am using here (saves on dishes!) In a bowl, mix together the stew meat with flour, salt and pepper (if using).

Once the oil is super hot, add in half of the beef and brown it on both sides. We're not cooking it through - just browning the outside of the meat. This just gives it a lot of flavor but if you don't have time for this step, just skip it. Place the first batch of browned beef onto a plate and brown the second batch of beef.

Once all the meat is browned, place it in the bottom of your crockpot then pour in the beef stock, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce & balsamic vinegar and give it all a stir.

fire roasted tomatoes added to beef stew.

Then stir in potatoes, celery, onion and carrots.

celery. onions and potatoes added to beef stew.

Sprinkle oregano, minced garlic and bay leaf on top.

Finally, stir again then cover. Cook on low for 8 hours.

Once it's done cooking, it's time to thicken it up with a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together cornstarch with water or beef broth.

cornstarch slurry being wicked in a small white bowl

Pour mixture into the beef stew and stir well. Then cover and switch to the "high" setting. Let it cook on high for another half an hour to thicken up.