How To Make Beef Stew In A Slow Cooker: Crock Pot Recipe

Looking for an easy and delicious dinner that practically cooks itself? This slow cooker beef stew recipe is just what you need! Made with only three simple ingredients—beef, potatoes, and onions—this hearty meal is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting, one-pot dish that requires minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love How To Make Beef Stew In A Slow Cooker

• Minimal Ingredients: This beef stew requires just three simple ingredients—beef, potatoes, and onions—making it easy to prepare with pantry staples.
• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work! Simply toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and come back to a fully cooked, hearty stew.
• Budget-Friendly: With affordable ingredients, this recipe is perfect for making a filling and delicious meal without breaking the bank.
• Perfect for Busy Days: Set it and forget it! This crock pot beef stew is ideal for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, homemade dinner.
• Comforting and Satisfying: Rich in flavor and texture, this stew is the ultimate comfort food that everyone in the family will enjoy.

This is a very easy beef stew recipe made in a slow cooker.  This crock pot beef stew uses just 3 ingredients: beef, potatoes and onions.  If you have beef in the freezer and potatoes and onions in the pantry, you have all you need to make this delicious dinner of a hearty beef stew!

All the cooking for this beef stew recipe is done in a slow cooker (crockpot).  You just put the beef stew ingredients in a slow cooker, press the Start button, and forget about it until dinner time.  When the slow cooker beeps, this easy beef stew is ready.

To sum it up, here are the things that make this beef stew recipe so great:

1) Only 3 ingredients make this delicious meal

2) Beef stew is a one-dish meal – no need to make a separate side dish

3) This beef stew recipe is very cheap to make, as it doesn’t use any expensive ingredients.  If you are on a budget, beef stew is a great dinner to make without spending much money.

4) This beef stew recipe ingredients are very common and readily available.  No need to hunt for rare ingredients!  Beef, potatoes and onions – can it really get simpler than that?

5) Almost no work is needed on your part to make a beef stew slow cooker recipe, since the slow cooker does the work for you.  Crock pot beef stew is a perfect dinner recipe for a busy cook!

Ingredients For The Beef Stew Slow Cooker Recipe:

• 2 lbs cut-up beef (packages labeled “Beef Stew” in a supermarket): Pre-cut chunks of beef labeled “Beef Stew” at the store, perfect for slow cooking.
• 8 medium onions: Adds flavor and moisture to the stew as they soften during cooking.
• 6 large potatoes: Hearty chunks of potatoes that absorb the beefy flavor for a satisfying bite.
• 2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors of the beef and vegetables.
• 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a touch of mild heat and seasoning.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make How To Make Beef Stew In A Slow Cooker

• Slow cooker – The essential tool for this recipe that cooks everything slowly and evenly.
• Knife – For peeling and chopping the onions and potatoes.
• Cutting board – To safely cut your ingredients.
• Measuring spoons – To measure the salt and pepper.

Directions How To Make Beef Stew In A Slow Cooker:

Peel and slice the onions into thin slices (I use the food processor for slicing the onions).  Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch chunks.   Sprinkle the meat with 1 tsp of salt and potatoes with another 1 tsp of salt.  Sprinkle meat and potatoes with pepper.

Put potatoes, onions and meat in a slow cooker.  Cook on 4 hours on High setting or 8 hours on Low setting.  Mix the beef stew thoroughly before serving.  Enjoy this delicious and hearty beef stew!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this beef stew with a slice of warm soft bread to soak up the rich broth.
• Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• For added flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the stew before serving.
• Enjoy with a glass of sangria wine or your favorite comforting drink for a cozy meal.

Tips For Success

• Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: Make sure there’s enough room for the heat to circulate. Overcrowding can cause the stew to cook unevenly.
• Cut ingredients evenly: Cutting the potatoes into even chunks ensures they cook at the same rate as the beef, avoiding any undercooked or overcooked pieces.
• Use the right cut of beef: Pre-packaged stew meat is ideal for slow cooking because it’s tough enough to break down slowly, resulting in tender, flavorful bites.
• Avoid lifting the lid: Each time you open the lid, heat escapes and can slow down the cooking process. Try not to peek until the end of the cooking time.
• Season generously: Be sure to season both the beef and potatoes with salt and pepper. As the ingredients cook, the seasoning will help enhance all the flavors.

Variations And Substitutions

• Add Vegetables: For a heartier stew, add vegetables like carrots, celery, or parsnips. They’ll add more flavor and texture to the dish.
• Thicken the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1-2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before it’s finished cooking.
• Use Different Cuts of Meat: If you can’t find pre-packaged stew meat, you can use chuck roast or brisket cut into chunks for similar results.
• Add Broth or Wine: If you prefer a more brothy stew, add 1-2 cups of beef broth, vegetable broth, or even red wine to enhance the flavors.
• Herb Variations: For an extra flavor boost, add bay leaves, thyme, or rosemary to the slow cooker while the stew simmers.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to let the stew cool completely before storing it.
• Freezing: You can freeze this stew for up to 3 months. Place the cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the stew in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to add any liquid to the slow cooker for this beef stew?

No additional liquid is needed. The onions and meat release enough moisture during cooking to create a flavorful broth. If you prefer more broth, you can add 1-2 cups of beef or vegetable broth.

Can I add other vegetables to this stew?

Absolutely! Carrots, celery, parsnips, or even mushrooms would make great additions. Simply chop them into chunks and add them to the slow cooker along with the potatoes and onions.

What’s the best cut of beef for slow cooker stew?

Pre-cut beef stew meat is convenient, but cuts like chuck roast or brisket also work well. These cuts become tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.

Can I use frozen beef in this recipe?

For best results, it’s recommended to thaw the beef before using it in the slow cooker. Using frozen beef can lead to uneven cooking and a longer cooking time.

How do I thicken the stew if I want a thicker consistency?

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1-2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the broth.

Can I make this stew in advance?

Yes! This stew can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.

Can I freeze leftover beef stew?

Yes, this beef stew freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How long should I cook the stew on the high or low setting?

Cook the stew on High for 4 hours or Low for 8 hours, depending on your schedule. Both methods will result in tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables.

What can I serve with this beef stew?

This beef stew is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables for a more rounded dinner.

Can I add herbs or spices to enhance the flavor?

Yes! Bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, or garlic can be added to the slow cooker to give the stew extra depth of flavor. Remove any whole herbs, like bay leaves, before serving.

Other Easy Beef Recipes

Ground Beef and Potato Skillet: This easy skillet recipe combines ground beef and potatoes for a simple, hearty, and flavorful meal.

Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry Recipe: Tender beef and fresh vegetables are stir-fried in a savory homemade teriyaki sauce for a quick and delicious dinner.

Ground Beef with Eggplant Recipe: Ground beef and sautéed eggplant come together in a flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Instant Pot Beef and Vegetable Soup Recipe: This hearty soup is packed with tender beef and fresh vegetables, all cooked quickly in the Instant Pot for a nourishing meal.

Instant Pot Eye of Round Roast Beef Recipe: Perfectly cooked eye of round roast beef made easy in the Instant Pot for a tender and juicy result.

BBQ Shredded Beef from Leftovers: Turn leftover beef into a delicious BBQ shredded beef recipe that’s perfect for sandwiches or tacos.

Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew: This Instant Pot beef stew is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender beef, potatoes, and vegetables in a rich broth.

More Stew Recipes

• Slow Cooker Chicken and Onion Stew (2 Ingredients)
• Slow Cooker Chicken Stew with Potatoes and Broccoli
• Crockpot Onion Beef Stew Recipe