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The Easiest, Most Tender Crockpot Beef Stew for Busy Weeknights

Close-up of tender beef chunks, carrots, and potatoes in a rich broth of crockpot beef stew.

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This easy crockpot beef stew recipe delivers tender beef and hearty vegetables in a rich, savory broth. It is the ultimate set it and forget it dinner, perfect for cozy winter nights and meal prep.

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
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and thickly sliced
  • 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry and season them with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pan. Place the browned beef into the slow cooker.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add this mixture to the slow cooker.
  4. Pour the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the flour and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew.
  7. Add the carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
  8. Continue cooking on HIGH for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened.
  9. Stir in the frozen peas, if using, during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving this hearty family meal.

Notes

  • For the most tender beef, use beef chuck roast.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew without using flour, mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the slow cooker to release starch, or add a cornstarch slurry near the end.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep; it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition