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An extreme close-up of slow cooker beef stew, highlighting the tender beef and rich, thick gravy.

Crockpot Beef Stew: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Recipe

This Crockpot Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food! With fall-apart tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy, this easy slow cooker recipe is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Perfect for a cozy and satisfying dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast cut into 1.5 to 2-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 4 large carrots peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery sliced
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
  • 3 tbsp cold water optional, for thickening

Equipment

  • 1 Slow Cooker 6-quart or larger recommended
  • 1 Large Skillet

Instructions
 

  1. Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the beef with flour, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. In the same skillet, cook the onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Pour this into the slow cooker.
  3. Add the remaining beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker and stir. Top with potatoes, carrots, and celery. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
  4. Optional: In the last 30 minutes, whisk cornstarch and cold water together and stir into the stew. Turn the slow cooker to high for 15-20 minutes to thicken. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

Beef: Using a well-marbled chuck roast is key for tender, flavorful beef.
Searing: Do not skip searing the beef! This step is crucial for developing the deep, rich flavor of the stew.
Serving: This stew is delicious served on its own or with crusty bread, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
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