Crock Pot Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food—perfectly slow-cooked to create a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal effort. The tender chunks of beef, rich red wine, and a medley of vegetables simmer all day, creating a savory broth that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re serving a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner, this recipe is ideal for busy days or meal prep, and tastes even better as leftovers!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds stew meat (cut into 1–2 inch cubes)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic salt

• ½ teaspoon celery salt

• ¼ cup flour

• 3–6 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons cold butter, divided

• 2 cups yellow onions, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup cabernet sauvignon or merlot (dry red wine)

• 4 cups beef broth

• 2 beef bouillon cubes

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 5 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks

• 1 lb baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

• 1 cup frozen peas

• ¼ cup cold water + 3 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 2–3 drops Gravy Master (optional, for color and depth)

Directions

1. Season and Sear the Beef: Toss stew meat with pepper, garlic salt, celery salt, and flour. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer to the crock pot.

2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.

3. Assemble Stew: Transfer the wine mixture to the crock pot. Add beef broth, bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, and rosemary.

4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender.

5. Finish: Discard the bay leaves and rosemary. Stir in peas and remaining butter. For thicker stew, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the crock pot. Cook on high for 15–20 minutes. Add Gravy Master if desired.

6. Serve: Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 2g

• Protein: 50g

• Sodium: 800mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

This hearty stew is a perfect meal to prepare ahead of time. It’s full of flavor and makes for a satisfying, warming dish on any cold day!

The Power of Slow Cooking

One of the main appeals of Crock Pot Beef Stew is the slow cooking process. Using a crock pot allows the beef to break down into tender, juicy pieces that soak up the savory broth, creating a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and hearty. The long cooking time on low heat ensures that every ingredient, from the vegetables to the beef, is infused with flavor, creating a dish that feels indulgent without requiring constant attention.

Slow cooking also gives the stew a chance to develop a depth of flavor that would be impossible to achieve with a faster cooking method. The beef absorbs the broth and the spices, while the vegetables, especially the carrots and potatoes, soften and release their natural sweetness. The result is a stew that feels like it’s been simmering for hours, even though the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

Seasoning and Searing the Beef

The beef in this stew is the star of the show, and getting it right is key to achieving the perfect stew. By seasoning the stew meat with a blend of black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt, you create a solid base of flavors that will infuse the beef throughout the cooking process. Coating the beef in flour before searing it helps to lock in those seasonings and creates a nice brown crust on the meat that adds depth and richness to the final dish.

Searing the beef in batches ensures that each piece is browned on all sides, creating a flavorful exterior that will complement the tenderness of the meat after it’s slow-cooked. The caramelized bits left in the pan from searing the beef are a hidden treasure that adds even more flavor to the stew once the wine is added.

Building the Broth: Wine, Worcestershire, and More

The broth for this beef stew is one of the reasons why this dish is so irresistible. Using a dry red wine such as cabernet sauvignon or merlot adds a rich, complex flavor that elevates the stew. When you deglaze the pan with the red wine after sautéing the onions and garlic, the wine picks up all of the browned bits left behind by the beef, adding depth and complexity to the broth.

Beef broth forms the backbone of the stew’s liquid, giving it a rich, savory flavor. The addition of beef bouillon cubes intensifies the broth’s meaty flavor, while Worcestershire sauce provides an extra layer of umami. The tomato paste not only adds flavor but also gives the stew a rich color and helps thicken the broth slightly.

With carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, and rosemary, the ingredients come together to form a savory, fragrant broth that soaks into the beef, creating a comforting, flavorful stew that will warm you up from the inside out.

The Vegetables: Carrots, Potatoes, and Peas

The vegetables in this Crock Pot Beef Stew are essential to its heartiness. The carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks, add sweetness and color, while the baby Yukon gold potatoes (halved or quartered) provide substance and texture. These vegetables hold up well to slow cooking, becoming tender without falling apart completely.

Frozen peas are added near the end of the cooking process, ensuring they stay bright and tender without losing their texture. They provide a burst of color and freshness that balances out the richness of the stew. The peas also add a slight sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the beef and broth.

Thickening the Stew: An Optional Step

While the stew will naturally thicken as it cooks, you can opt to thicken it further if you prefer a heartier texture. Mixing cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the stew during the final stages of cooking will create a thicker, more stew-like consistency. If you’re looking for an extra layer of flavor, adding a few drops of Gravy Master can deepen the color and enhance the savory notes in the stew.

Resting and Serving the Stew

Once the Crock Pot Beef Stew is ready, let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. When serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to your preference. Serve the stew hot, alongside a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.

This stew is perfect for a cozy family dinner, and it’s also a great dish to serve at a gathering or potluck. The combination of tender beef, flavorful broth, and vegetables makes it an incredibly satisfying meal that will leave everyone feeling full and content.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

One of the best things about Crock Pot Beef Stew is how well it keeps as leftovers. The flavors continue to develop and deepen, making it even better the next day. It’s an excellent dish for meal prepping, as it can be made in bulk and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. It can also be frozen for longer storage, making it a great option for busy days when you need a quick and easy meal. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and you’ll have a comforting, hearty meal ready to enjoy.

Nutritional Value

Crock Pot Beef Stew is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins from the vegetables. A typical serving contains around 450 calories, with 25 grams of fat, 50 grams of protein, and only 2 grams of carbohydrates. The stew is also a good source of fiber, providing about 1 gram per serving. It’s a filling, nourishing dish that keeps you satisfied without weighing you down.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Beef Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich, savory broth, tender beef, and hearty vegetables come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping, or simply craving a warm, cozy meal, this stew will not disappoint. The best part is that it only gets better with time, so you can enjoy the leftovers for days to come. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this Crock Pot Beef Stew is sure to become a family favorite.