Description
This Easy Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew is everything you love about slow-cooked comfort food. Tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth make it perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends. Let your crockpot do the work while you enjoy the aroma of a classic, homey meal simmering to perfection.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 carrots, peeled and chopped
4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
3 stalks celery, sliced
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for slurry)
2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for slurry)
Instructions
1. Peel and chop the carrots and potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Slice celery, dice onion, and mince the garlic. Cut beef into 1-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper.
2. (Optional) In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef until browned on all sides. This step adds a deeper flavor.
3. Add chopped vegetables to the bottom of the crockpot, followed by the beef.
4. Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and seasonings. Stir gently to combine.
5. Cover and cook on Low for 8–10 hours or High for 4–6 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
6. (Optional) For a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
Cut vegetables into larger chunks to prevent over-softening during long cooking times.
Browning the beef first isn’t required, but adds a delicious depth of flavor.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: beef stew, crockpot dinner, comfort food