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recipe for beef stew in a crock pot

Tender Beef Stew in the Crock Pot Recipe

 A hearty beef stew with tender meat, fresh veggies, and rich broth. Perfectly spiced and slow-cooked for ultimate comfort. Easy, customizable, and family-friendly!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Meat
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 507 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat cubed
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour optional
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 cups beef stock
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 leek sliced (white and light green parts only)
  • 2 fresh carrots sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 3 medium potatoes cubed
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms optional
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp seasoning salt or salt-free alternative
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch optional, mixed with ¼ cup water

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Beef: The beef stew meat is patted dry with paper towels. If using flour, the meat is lightly coated in flour.
  • Brown the Meat: Vegetable oil is heated in a skillet over medium heat. The beef is seared in batches until browned (3–4 minutes per side), then transferred to a crock pot.
  • Deglaze the Skillet: Beef stock is poured into the skillet, and the browned bits at the bottom are scraped to release flavor. The liquid is then added to the crock pot.
  • Layer Vegetables: The onion, garlic, celery, leek, fresh carrots, frozen peas and carrots, potatoes, mushrooms (if using), and diced tomatoes are placed in the crock pot.
  • Season: Basil, rosemary, seasoning salt, and oregano are sprinkled evenly over the mixture.
  • Cook: The crock pot is set to high heat and cooked for 3 hours.
  • Thicken (Optional): If a thicker stew is desired, a slurry of cornstarch and water is stirred into the stew during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Serve: The stew is ladled into bowls and served hot.

Video

Notes

  • Flour is optional but adds a richer crust to the beef.
  • Mushrooms can be omitted for dietary preferences.
  • Cornstarch slurry is only needed if a thicker consistency is desired.
Keyword slow cooker beef stew recipe