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Tender Crockpot Beef Stew: Easy Slow Cooker Comfort Dinner

A close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, dark crockpot beef stew featuring tender beef chunks, large carrots, potatoes, and bright green peas.
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Make this hearty Crockpot Beef Stew for a simple, set-it-and-forget-it meal. The beef cooks low and slow until it is completely tender, creating a rich, savory broth perfect for cozy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season the beef evenly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Remove the browned beef and place it in the slow cooker insert.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
  5. Pour the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juice) into the slow cooker. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
  6. Add the carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker, nestling them into the liquid. Do not stir them in completely if you prefer them to cook more evenly on top.
  7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
  8. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaf. Stir in the frozen peas.
  9. If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker and stir gently. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your liking.
  10. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This step builds depth in the final broth.
  • If you want a richer color, you can dust the beef cubes with 1 tablespoon of flour before seasoning and searing.
  • You can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mistyplate.com/crockpot-beef-stew-recipe-easy-tender/