{"id":1262,"date":"2026-01-08T11:08:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T11:08:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/airfryerchickenwings.com\/slowcooker\/?p=1262"},"modified":"2026-01-08T11:08:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T11:08:16","slug":"crockpot-beef-stew-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/airfryerchickenwings.com\/slowcooker\/crockpot-beef-stew-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Crockpot Beef Stew"},"content":{"rendered":"

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This easy crockpot beef stew <\/strong>recipe is filled with tender beef and flavorful vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas, all smothered in a rich and hearty beef gravy. It only takes 10 minutes to prep, making it a comforting and easy weeknight meal option!<\/p>\n

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Why You\u2019ll Love This Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sometimes, you just need some true comfort, and there\u2019s nothing cozier than a big bowl of hearty beef stew! What makes it even better is that the slow cooker does all the work for you, so all you need to do is dig in when it\u2019s time to eat. This beef stew is always a hit on chilly winter nights, sick days, or just for when you need a warm hug in the form of a meal! Here\u2019s why we\u2019ve been making this slow cooker recipe for so many years:<\/p>\n

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  • Easy 10 Minute Prep: <\/strong>Basically, the only prep work that you need to do is to cut the vegetables. There\u2019s no need to sear the beef either. Once your veggies are prepped you just toss it all into the slow cooker and step away! Sometimes we will cut them and store them in the fridge overnight so morning prep is even easier!<\/li>\n
  • Family Friendly:<\/strong> When it comes to American classic dinners, beef stew is one of the most well loved and enjoyed from kids to adults. Just don\u2019t forget the warm soft rolls to soak up all that savory gravy and the whole family will dive in!<\/li>\n
  • Affordable: <\/strong>There are no expensive cuts of beef or fancy ingredients here. Beef stew pieces are usually pretty inexpensive, as are potatoes and carrots. You don\u2019t even need any sides, it\u2019s a one pot dinner with the main dish and side all in one.<\/li>\n
  • Travels Well: <\/strong>This is also a great hearty dish to take to a party or potluck during the colder months. It travels easily in crockpot and all you need are bowls and spoons to serve it up!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
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    Key Ingredients<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Most of the ingredients you need are probably already in your pantry! Below you will find helpful notes for key ingredients used to make crock pot beef stew.\u00a0Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredient list and exact amounts!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    • Beef Broth: <\/strong>Try to use low-sodium beef broth so that you can control the salt level.<\/li>\n
    • Cubed Stew Beef: <\/strong>Easy to find in the grocery store and it\u2019s super affordable! A great way to eat beef on a budget. It may be labeled as cubed chuck roast or stew meat.<\/li>\n
    • Beef Bouillon: <\/strong>This will deepen the flavor of the beef gravy. We used Better Than Bouillon, but you could also use granulated beef bouillon.<\/li>\n
    • Potatoes: <\/strong>We used Yukon gold potatoes as their buttery texture works perfectly, but you can also use red potatoes.<\/li>\n
    • Sliced Carrots: <\/strong>Whole carrots have more flavor, but baby carrots can also be used.<\/li>\n
    • Frozen Peas:<\/strong> No need to thaw.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
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      How To Make Beef Stew in Crockpot<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Honestly, the steps to make this recipe are so simple! You\u2019ll have this recipe down in no time. Below is a quick overview, but please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full instructions.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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      Add beef and broth to Crockpot.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
      \"Vegetables
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      \"Peas
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      • First, add the broth and beef to the Crockpot. <\/strong>Then add the seasonings and toss to coat the beef.<\/li>\n
      • Next, add the vegetables on top. <\/strong>Just the carrots and potatoes for now. You will add the peas later on.<\/li>\n
      • Now set it and forget it! <\/strong>Let the slow cooker do the work from here!<\/li>\n
      • Then add the peas. <\/strong>When the beef is cooked, it\u2019s time to add the peas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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        \"Cornstarch
        Make a slurry.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
        \"Beef
        Stir to thicken.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n
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        • Thicken the stew by making a slurry. <\/strong>Finally, if you\u2019d like to thicken the stew, you can make a slurry. Do this by mixing the water and cornstarch and then stirring into the stew. The beef stew will start to thicken once it\u2019s on high heat and it begins to simmer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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          Chef\u2019s Tips and Variations <\/span><\/h2>\n
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          • Sear the beef beforehand. <\/strong>To deepen the flavor of the beef, you can sear the beef in the skillet before adding it to your crockpot. This is not necessary but will add an extra depth of flavor to your stew.<\/li>\n
          • Add more flavor! <\/strong>Add \u00bc cup of red wine (or unsweetened black coffee!) for a more intense gravy flavor.<\/li>\n
          • Stick with the less expensive meat cuts. <\/strong>Stew meat is a less expensive cut of meat, it needs time to cook and get tender. If you use leaner cuts of meat they tend to get tougher as they cook. This is a good excuse to buy the more affordable beef!<\/li>\n
          • Put the vegetables on top of the beef. <\/strong>We put the vegetables on top of the meat because this helps them to not overcook too much.<\/li>\n
          • Choose the low and slow method. <\/strong>We highly recommend going with the low setting for a longer cooking time for the most tender beef.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
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            How To Thicken Beef Stew In Crockpot<\/span><\/h2>\n

            There are a quite a few options to thicken beef stew! We chose the cornstarch method, but we have broken down all the most popular options below:<\/p>\n

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            • Cornstarch: <\/strong>This method is quick, easy and gluten free. Using water or beef broth and cornstarch, whisk the two together to create a cornstarch slurry and pour into your stew. Give it a good stir and let stew cook for 10 minutes, until thickened.<\/li>\n
            • Flour: <\/strong>If using flour, you\u2019ll have to double the amount and cook the stew for longer to thicken. For example, if the recipe calls for one tablespoon of cornstarch, use two tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk together flour and broth\/water until smooth and then pour into your stew. Give it a good stir and let stew cook for 30 minutes, or until thickened.<\/li>\n
            • Gravy Packets:<\/strong> You can also thicken beef stew with gravy packets. I don\u2019t recommend this option as it is easy to over salt your stew with gravy packets. However, if that is all that you have on hand, we highly recommend skipping the beef bouillon. Mix your gravy packet (start with one and then add as second if needed) with a little a cold water or broth, until smooth. Then pour mixture into your stew, give it a good stir and let stew cook for 10 minutes, until thickened.<\/li>\n
            • Potato Starch:<\/strong>\u00a0Just a tablespoon or two of potato starch will thicken sauces especially well. Just be sure to mix them with a little water before adding to the slow cooker to prevent clumping, just like you would cornstarch. Then pour mixture into your stew, give it a good stir and let stew cook for 10 minutes, until thickened.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
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              What to Serve with Crockpot Beef Stew<\/span><\/h2>\n

              Crockpot beef stew is one of those great meals where everything you need is already in the pot! The only side we have to have in our family are some soft air fryer crescent rolls to soak up all that rich beef gravy. If you are feeling extra fancy, these cheesy herb crescent rolls are pretty hard to resist.<\/p>\n

              If you are looking to add a starter, something like a simple green salad, like this strawberry spinach salad, is a great pairing. And lastly, if you are more of a mashed potato fan, you can skip the added potatoes in the crockpot and serve this beef stew over our favorite best mashed potatoes!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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              Crockpot Beef Stew<\/span><\/h2>\n
              This easy Crockpot Beef Stew recipe with fall-apart tender beef and vegetables cooked in a rich brown gravy needs just 10 minutes of prep! Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting stew is sure to be a new family favorite.<\/div>\n
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              Prep Time<\/span>10 minutes<\/span><\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
              Cook Time<\/span>8 hours<\/span><\/span> hours<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
              Total Time<\/span>8 hours<\/span><\/span> hours<\/span> 10 minutes<\/span><\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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              Ingredients<\/h3>\n
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