Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Stew
This Crockpot Beef Stew is everything you want in a cozy, no-fuss dinner. It combines juicy beef chuck, creamy potatoes, and hearty carrots in a rich, slow-simmered broth that transforms into velvety gravy. Whether you’re winding down on a chilly night or prepping meals for the week, this stew checks every box: comforting, protein-packed, and full of deep, savory flavor. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with tender meat and soul-warming gravy—no effort, no stress.
Beef Chuck: The Secret to Fork-Tender Results
The magic of this Crockpot Beef Stew lies in the cut: beef chuck. Known for its marbled fat and tough fibers, chuck roast might not sound glamorous—but give it hours in the crockpot, and it turns into something divine. The slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues, leaving you with fork-tender beef that melts in your mouth. Even if you skip searing, the beef becomes succulent and richly flavored, soaking up all the broth, herbs, and aromatics in the pot.
Craving something creamy next? Try this One‑Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken for another slow cooker dinner that practically cooks itself.
Want to master tender meat every time? Learn the secrets to slow-roasting tough cuts to fork-tender perfection.
How to Build Flavor with Simple Pantry Staples
One of the best things about this Crockpot Beef Stew is how it creates bold, restaurant-worthy flavor using only pantry basics. Tomato paste deepens the umami profile, Worcestershire adds that signature savory tang, and soy sauce delivers an umami punch that intensifies as it cooks. Garlic, onion, and herbs like thyme and rosemary gently infuse the broth, layering in warmth and comfort without overpowering the stew. These humble ingredients simmer all day into something extraordinary.
To Sear or Not to Sear: Both Versions Work
This Crockpot Beef Stew respects your time. Want to level up? Give the beef a quick sear in a hot skillet for a golden-brown crust and richer depth. But if you’re in a rush, skip it. This recipe shines even as a dump-and-go dish. The slow cooker takes care of flavor development over time, giving you flexibility without compromising taste. Both methods result in a stew that’s deeply satisfying—do what works for your schedule.
Potatoes That Hold Up in the Slow Cooker
Potatoes are essential in any hearty stew, and this Crockpot Beef Stew nails the texture thanks to waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold. These spuds stay creamy and intact, even after long hours in the crockpot. Their naturally buttery flavor pairs beautifully with the rich beef and gravy. They soak up the juices without turning mushy, adding a starchy heartiness that makes the stew feel like a complete meal in one pot.
Print
Recipe: Crockpot Beef Stew with Gravy
- Total Time: 8 hours (Low) or 5 hours (High)
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This crockpot beef and potato stew brings together tender chuck roast, hearty potatoes, and rich gravy in one cozy, slow-cooked dish.
Ingredients
- 1½ lb beef chuck, cut in 1½-inch cubes
- 1½ tsp kosher salt + ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for browning; optional)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, cut in 1-inch chunks
- 1 lb waxy potatoes (Yukon gold/baby), halved or chunked
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme½ tsp dried rosemary (crushed)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
Gravy Options:
- Slurry: 1½ tbsp cornstarch + 1½ tbsp cold water
- Roux: 1½ tbsp butter + 1½ tbsp flour (stovetop finish)
Instructions
- (Optional Sear) Pat beef dry and season. Toss with flour. Brown briefly in a skillet, then transfer to the crockpot.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire, herbs, salt, pepper, broth, soy sauce. Nestle beef inside.
- Cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
Choose gravy method:
- Slurry: Mix cornstarch and water. Stir into stew, cover, cook on High 10–15 min until thickened.
- Roux: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then stew liquid. Add to crockpot, stir and cook 5–10 min more.
- Add butter if using, taste, adjust salt. Garnish with parsley. Serve warm with bread.
Notes
- For added flavor, swap ½ cup of the broth with dry red wine. Add peas during the last 10 minutes if desired.
- To make gluten-free, use the cornstarch method and skip flour dredging.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (Low) or 5 hours (High)
- Category: Comfort
- Method: stew
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 375Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: Crockpot Beef & Potato Stew
The Gravy Finish: Two Easy Options
Want to take your Crockpot Beef Stew from good to unforgettable? The gravy finish is key. You have two fuss-free options: a cornstarch slurry stirred straight into the pot for a gluten-free thickener, or a roux made on the stovetop for a more indulgent texture. Both methods turn the already flavorful broth into a glossy, savory sauce that clings to every bite. Add a tablespoon of butter at the end for extra sheen and depth.
Comfort Food for Meal Prep or Company
This Crockpot Beef Stew isn’t just a cold-weather indulgence—it’s a smart meal prep staple. It stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for work lunches, weeknight dinners, or even serving to guests. The stew’s rich aroma and satisfying taste give it that “made from scratch” appeal, even though it took minimal effort. You can easily double the batch and portion into containers for grab-and-go convenience, or serve family-style for a rustic, comforting centerpiece.
Adaptable for Diets and Preferences
Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or just want more veggies, this Crockpot Beef Stew can flex to fit your needs. Ditch the flour and opt for the cornstarch slurry to make it gluten-free. Add green peas, celery, parsnips, or even mushrooms to amp up the nutritional value and flavor. Want a richer taste? Swap in some red wine for part of the broth. This stew is incredibly forgiving—customize it to your heart’s content without losing its soul-warming essence.
“To make gluten-free, use the cornstarch method and skip flour dredging.“
Freezer-Friendly and Fridge-Ready
This Crockpot Beef Stew is a make-ahead hero. It’s designed to taste even better the next day, with flavors deepening as they sit. You can freeze individual portions for up to two months, making it a perfect emergency meal. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw, reheat, and add a splash of broth or water to restore the silky texture. The beef stays tender, the gravy holds up, and the entire dish delivers comfort in minutes.
The Cozy Classic You’ll Return To Again and Again
When it comes to satisfying, foolproof meals, this Crockpot Beef Stew is in a league of its own. It’s the kind of dinner you crave on long days, chilly nights, or when you simply want something comforting and hearty. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, buttery potatoes, and a rich gravy finish, it’s a dish you’ll make again and again. Whether it’s for family dinner, meal prep, or guests—this classic always delivers.
You can also discover our latest recipes:
- Healthy Mediterranean Ground Beef Bowls: Fresh, Creamy, 20-Min Dinner
- Crockpot Taco Ground Beef & Black Bean Bowls: Dump-and-Go Comfort for Busy Nights
- Pink and Aesthetic Chocolate Covered Strawberries: The Prettiest 20-Minute Treat
- Korean Ground Beef Bowl: Sweet-Savory Comfort in 20 Minutes 🥢✨
- Hot Honey Feta Chicken: Sweet Heat, Golden Feta, and a Juicy Weeknight Dinner
