Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe for Busy Days (Print-Friendly Version)

This crockpot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy days. Enjoy a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

# Ingredients You'll Need:
01 - 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, for browning the beef
03 - 4 cups beef broth, low sodium
04 - 1 cup red wine, optional, but recommended for depth of flavor
05 - 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
06 - 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
07 - 1 large onion, chopped
08 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 2 teaspoons dried thyme
10 - 2 bay leaves
11 - to taste salt and pepper
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
02 - Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.
03 - Pour beef broth and red wine over the meat and vegetables. Stir in thyme and bay leaves. Season generously with salt and pepper.
04 - Set the crockpot to low and cook for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
05 - Before serving, remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
# Extra Information:
01 - For a deeper flavor, marinate beef in red wine overnight.
02 - Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end of cooking.
03 - Use fresh herbs if available for a more aromatic stew.
04 - If using frozen vegetables, add them in the last hour of cooking.
05 - For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.
06 - Add a kick with chili flakes and smoked paprika for a fiery twist.
07 - Enhance with rosemary and basil for a herbaceous aroma.
08 - To store your crockpot beef stew, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, the best method is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This helps maintain the stew's texture and flavor. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. To restore any lost moisture during reheating, add a splash of beef broth. This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop over time.
# Recipe Details:
01 - Prep time: 20 minutes
02 - Cook time: 480 minutes
03 - Servings: 6
04 - Recipe by: Quick Meal Magic

Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe for Busy Days

Recipe by Quick Meal Magic Published on December 7, 2025

This crockpot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy days. Enjoy a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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Deliciously plated Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew, featuring tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich gravy perfect for busy days.
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Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe for Busy Days

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This crockpot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy days. Enjoy a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

  • Total Time: 500 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • beef chuck: 2 pounds - cut into 1-inch cubes
  • olive oil: 2 tablespoons - for browning the beef
  • beef broth: 4 cups - low sodium
  • red wine: 1 cup - optional, but recommended for depth of flavor
  • carrots: 3 - peeled and sliced
  • potatoes: 4 medium - peeled and diced
  • onion: 1 large - chopped
  • garlic: 4 cloves - minced
  • dried thyme: 2 teaspoons
  • bay leaves: 2
  • salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

    Tip: Browning the beef adds a depth of flavor that's crucial for a rich stew.

  2. Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.

    Tip: Layering the vegetables on top of the meat ensures even cooking.

  3. Pour beef broth and red wine over the meat and vegetables. Stir in thyme and bay leaves. Season generously with salt and pepper.

    Tip: Ensure that the liquid covers the ingredients to prevent drying out.

  4. Set the crockpot to low and cook for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

    Tip: Low and slow is key for tender beef and well-infused flavors.

  5. Before serving, remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

    Tip: Removing bay leaves prevents them from overpowering the stew with bitterness.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, marinate beef in red wine overnight.
  • Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end of cooking.
  • Use fresh herbs if available for a more aromatic stew.
  • If using frozen vegetables, add them in the last hour of cooking.
  • For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.
  • Author: Quick Meal Magic
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 480 minutes
  • Category: Beef
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 36g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg

Keywords: crockpot, beef stew, slow cooker, easy dinner, comfort food, hearty meal, family dinner, winter recipes, one-pot meal, gluten-free

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Frequently Asked Questions for Recipes crockpot

How long should I cook beef stew in a crockpot?
Cook beef stew on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.

Can I use different types of meat for crockpot stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef chuck with lamb or pork, adjusting cooking times as needed for tenderness.

Do I need to brown beef before adding to the crockpot?
Browning beef before slow cooking enhances flavor and adds depth, but it's optional if you're short on time.

How can I thicken my crockpot beef stew?
To thicken, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water and stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What vegetables can I add to my crockpot stew?
Besides carrots and potatoes, try adding peas, mushrooms, or parsnips for variety and texture.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This stew can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat and serve when ready.

Is it safe to leave a crockpot on while away?
Yes, crockpots are designed for unattended cooking, making them ideal for busy schedules.