Description
This Easy Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, hearty meal perfect for cold nights or busy weekdays. Packed with tender beef chunks, perfectly cooked potatoes and carrots, and a savory broth, this recipe is not only delicious but incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a classic slow cooker meal that fits into your collection of dinner ideas, easy recipes, and cozy food ideas for the whole family.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for dredging)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning)
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
3 large Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. If desired, toss the beef cubes in seasoned flour. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches. Set aside.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, mushrooms (if using), and garlic to the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Layer the beef over the vegetables.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour over beef and veggies. Add bay leaf.
5. Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-6 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
6. Optional: Mix cornstarch and cold water into a slurry. Add in final 30 minutes and cook uncovered to thicken.
7. Taste, adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot enhances flavor, but it’s completely optional.
Cut vegetables into larger chunks to avoid them turning mushy during long cooking times.
For the best results, make the stew a day ahead—the flavor improves after resting overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 610
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 90
Keywords: easy recipe, beef stew, crockpot dinner, comfort food, slow cooker