👉ClassicCrockpot BeefStew – Recipes on a Budget

Classic Crockpot Beef Stew: A Hearty and Savory Comfort Dish

When the weather turns colder and you crave something warm, filling, and comforting, there’s no better choice than a hearty bowl of Classic Crockpot Beef Stew. This classic recipe combines tender chunks of beef, a medley of vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that’s slow-cooked to perfection. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity – with just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re coming home after a busy day or looking for a family-friendly meal to serve on a weekend, this stew delivers everything you want: comfort, nutrition, and ease. The best part? The crockpot does all the work for you! Simply toss in the ingredients in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth stew that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cutting the beef stew meat into bite-sized chunks. Chop the onion, slice the carrots, and peel and dice the potatoes. Mince the garlic cloves.
Add Everything to the Crockpot: In your crockpot, combine the beef stew meat, chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, minced garlic, and diced tomatoes (including the juice). These vegetables will not only add texture to the stew but also infuse the broth with incredible flavors as it cooks.
Season the Stew: Sprinkle the dried thyme over the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preferences. The thyme adds an aromatic, earthy flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
Pour in the Beef Broth: Add the 4 cups of beef broth to the crockpot, ensuring that the ingredients are mostly covered by the liquid. This will create the flavorful, rich base for your stew.
Cook the Stew: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. During this time, the beef will become wonderfully tender, and the vegetables will cook to perfection, absorbing all the savory flavors of the broth.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the stew is done, give it a quick stir, taste it for seasoning, and serve it hot. You’ll be greeted with a bowl full of comforting flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Crockpot Beef Stew

This dish is the epitome of comfort food. The beef is tender, the vegetables are perfectly cooked, and the broth is rich and satisfying. The slow cooking method helps to develop deep, savory flavors that are hard to beat. Whether served with crusty bread or on its own, this stew is sure to become a family favorite!

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Classic Crockpot Beef Stew

Can I use other cuts of beef for this stew?
- Yes, you can use cuts like chuck roast or round steak. Just be sure to cut the meat into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I use frozen beef stew meat?
- It’s best to thaw frozen beef stew meat before using it in this recipe for even cooking. Frozen meat may also release excess liquid.
Can I add more vegetables to this stew?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add parsnips, peas, or celery for extra flavor and texture.
Can I use a different type of broth?
- Yes, you can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?
- Yes, you can use fresh thyme. Just double the amount of fresh herbs (2 teaspoons of fresh thyme for every teaspoon of dried).
Can I add potatoes with skin on?
- You can, but peeling the potatoes helps the stew have a smoother texture, especially since the skin can become tough during slow cooking.
Can I make this stew without garlic?
- While garlic adds a lot of flavor, you can leave it out if you prefer a milder taste.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes, sweet potatoes would work beautifully in this stew, adding a touch of sweetness and additional nutrients.
Can I cook this on the stove instead of in a crockpot?
- Yes, you can cook the stew on the stovetop. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the beef is tender.
Can I thicken the stew?
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water or mash some of the potatoes in the stew to create a thicker texture.
How can I make this stew spicier?
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
Can I add wine to the stew for more depth of flavor?
- Yes, adding a cup of red wine before cooking can deepen the flavor and complement the beef nicely.
Can I use canned carrots instead of fresh?
- It’s best to use fresh carrots for a better texture, as canned carrots can become too soft when slow-cooked.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your beef broth and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
- Yes, the stew can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for an easy meal later.
Can I freeze the stew?
- Yes, you can freeze the stew. Let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I add corn to this stew?
- Yes, adding corn can add a lovely sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
How do I know when the beef is tender?
- The beef is tender when it shreds easily with a fork and falls apart when touched.
Can I use a slow cooker with a high cooking setting?
- Yes, using the high setting for 4 hours works just as well, but the beef will not be quite as tender as if you cooked it on low.
Can I use frozen vegetables in this stew?
- While you can use frozen vegetables, fresh vegetables provide better texture and flavor.

20 Best Tips for Making Classic Crockpot Beef Stew

Brown the beef first for extra flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
Layer the ingredients with potatoes at the bottom to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Use homemade beef broth for a richer flavor.
Season in stages to ensure the stew is properly flavored.
Don’t overfill the crockpot – keep it at ¾ full for best results.
Use a fatty cut of beef for the most tender and flavorful stew.
Add herbs and spices towards the end to keep the flavors fresh.
Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
Taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Add frozen peas towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking them.
Stir the stew halfway through cooking for even flavor distribution.
Deglaze the pan with a little wine after browning the meat for added flavor.
Use a liner in the crockpot to make cleanup easier.
Top the stew with fresh herbs before serving for added brightness.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Make it a day ahead for even better flavor, as the stew improves with time.
Avoid overcooking the stew on high heat – the beef may become tough.
Incorporate a splash of vinegar for a slight tang that balances the flavors.
Try adding a bay leaf for a subtle herbal flavor.
Add a small amount of sugar if the stew needs balancing if it’s too acidic.