Crock Pot Beef Stew

This crock pot beef stew recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef with hearty vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, meal prep, and comfort food, it combines potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs for a classic stew. Made in a slow cooker, this recipe ensures consistently tender meat and a thick, savory sauce, ideal for pairing with bread, rice, or noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 lb white potatoes (about 1 large), peeled and chopped
• 8 oz whole mushrooms, quartered (or cut into sixths if large)
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 32 oz gluten-free beef broth
• 1/4 cup gluten-free flour (or all-purpose flour if not GF)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas

Directions
Place the stew meat, potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, thyme, pepper, rosemary, bay leaf, and beef broth into a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until the beef is very tender.

Whisk the flour in a bowl with a ladle of hot cooking liquid until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 30–45 minutes, or until the stew thickens. Add the peas and let sit for 5 minutes until heated through. Serve warm.

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Tips

• Cutting the beef into evenly sized pieces helps everything cook uniformly.
• Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker is optional but adds deeper flavor.
• If the stew becomes too thick, stir in a splash of warm broth or water.
• For a richer broth, add a small knob of butter at the end.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetables: Add parsnips, sweet potatoes, or green beans.
• Herbs: Substitute thyme and rosemary with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if available.
• Mushrooms: Omit if preferred or replace with extra carrots or potatoes.
• Protein: Use chuck roast, cut into cubes, or substitute with lamb for a different flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure the Worcestershire sauce, broth, and flour are certified GF.

FAQs

Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes. Cook on high for 3–4 hours, though the beef may be slightly less tender than the low-and-slow method.

Can I freeze beef stew?
Absolutely. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

Why isn’t my stew thickening?
It may need more time on high after adding the flour mixture. Continue simmering until the broth reduces and thickens.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or cornbread.
• Pair with mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier meal.
• Add a fresh green salad for balance.
• Spoon over buttered noodles for a classic comfort dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker beef stew is comforting, hearty, and packed with vegetables. It requires minimal prep, uses simple ingredients, and produces tender beef with rich, well-developed flavor—perfect for cold days, family dinners, or make-ahead meals.