Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe

Warm, rich, and bubbling with homestyle goodness, Crock Pot Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the table. With tender chunks of beef, hearty veggies, and a savory, velvety sauce, this stew transforms simple ingredients into a meal that’s deeply satisfying. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing every bite with flavor and giving you more time to relax or hang out with family. Whether it’s a chilly Sunday or you just want an easy weeknight dinner, Crock Pot Beef Stew will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient in this Crock Pot Beef Stew plays a critical role: from building the base of flavor, to adding texture, color, and heartiness. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this memorable meal.

• Dry onion soup mix: Adds a quick punch of savory, seasoned flavor throughout the stew without any fuss.
• Paprika: Infuses a gentle warmth and beautiful color to the dish, balancing the richness of the beef.
• Beef stew meat or boneless beef roast: Opt for well-marbled cuts, which will become melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
• Potatoes: These soak up all the flavors and give the stew its signature heartiness; go for russets or Yukon Golds if possible.
• Baby carrots: No peeling or chopping required, these add subtle sweetness and pop of color.
• Yellow onion: Essential for depth and roundness, the onion practically melts into the sauce for extra flavor.
• Cream of celery soup: This creates a luxuriously smooth sauce and adds wonderful herbal notes.
• Ketchup (or tomato sauce): Sweet and tangy, ketchup brings balance, but tomato sauce works too if you prefer less sweetness.

How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew

Step 1: Season and Coat the Beef

Let’s kick things off with flavor! Combine the dry onion soup mix and paprika in a large plastic bag. Add the beef pieces, then give the bag a good shake until every bite is thoroughly coated. If all the meat doesn’t fit at once, just split it into batches. This easy trick ensures your stew starts off with layers of seasoning in every forkful.

Step 2: Layer the Crock Pot

Lightly grease your 7-quart crock pot to prevent sticking. Spread the seasoned beef in an even layer on the bottom, then top with the diced potatoes, baby carrots, and chopped onion. This layering not only distributes flavors beautifully but also guarantees that every serving gets a perfect mix of meat and veggies.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together both cans of cream of celery soup and the ketchup (or tomato sauce, if you prefer). This quick blend creates the creamy, flavorful sauce that ties the beef stew together. Pour the sauce evenly over your meat and veggies, making sure to cover as much surface area as possible.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Place the lid on your crock pot and set it to cook on low. It’ll need about 7 to 8 hours for the beef to become perfectly tender and the potatoes to turn soft and fluffy. No peeking necessary—just let the slow cooker work its magic. When time’s up, give everything a gentle stir to combine before serving up steaming bowls of this soul-warming meal.

How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Stew

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and brightness, elevating the presentation of Crock Pot Beef Stew. For a richer finish, try a bit of cracked black pepper or a tiny swirl of sour cream just before serving.

Side Dishes

Classic accompaniments include warm crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of the savory sauce. Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles can transform your bowl of stew into an even more hearty feast. For something lighter, pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Crock Pot Beef Stew in thick bread bowls for a rustic, crowd-pleasing twist. For dinner parties, try ladling it into small ramekins with a mini biscuit on top. Leftover stew also makes a fantastic filling for savory pot pies or turnovers—perfect for reinventing leftovers.

Crock Pot Beef Stew Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer any extra Crock Pot Beef Stew into airtight containers once cooled. Refrigerate promptly; it will keep well for up to 4 days and the flavors become even more pronounced during that time.

Freezing

This stew is an excellent candidate for the freezer. Pour cooled servings into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remember to leave a little space for expansion. It will stay delicious in the freezer for up to three months—just label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

To reheat Crock Pot Beef Stew, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. For single servings, a few minutes in the microwave (covered) does the trick. If it thickens up too much, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Crock Pot Beef Stew?

Absolutely! While stew meat or boneless beef roast work beautifully, chuck roast, brisket, or even short ribs can add incredible richness. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is it possible to make Crock Pot Beef Stew gluten free?

Yes, you can! Look for a gluten-free brand of dry onion soup mix and a gluten-free cream of celery soup. Double check your ketchup or tomato sauce ingredients, and you’ll have a comforting, gluten-free meal for everyone to enjoy.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Feel free to add in parsnips, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or even peas for more flavor and nutrients. Add delicate vegetables like peas or green beans in the last hour of cooking to keep them from getting too soft.

What if my stew is too thick or thin?

If your Crock Pot Beef Stew is thicker than you’d like, simply stir in extra beef broth a splash at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for a bit on high to reduce, or mash a few potato pieces to naturally thicken the sauce.

How do I avoid mushy vegetables?

To keep veggies from getting overly soft, make sure to cut potatoes and carrots into larger, even pieces, and avoid slicing them too thinly. You can also add them halfway through cooking if you prefer a bit of bite.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Beef Stew is more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to gather, relax, and let simple ingredients shine. With a little preparation and your slow cooker, you can look forward to a dinner that feels like a warm hug. Try it soon and you’ll see why this recipe is such a beloved classic in my home!

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