If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Comfort Meals is here to save the day. With tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors simmered to perfection, it’s one of those dishes that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your belly with contentment. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just want an effortless meal to come home to, this stew brings comfort and joy with every spoonful.

Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Comfort Meals Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to creating a stew that’s rich in flavor and texture. Each item plays its own starring role, from the tender beef that forms the hearty base to the carrots and potatoes that add natural sweetness and substance.

Beef stew meat (2 lbs): Cubed for bite-sized tenderness and rich, meaty flavor.
Carrots (4 medium): Peeled and sliced for just the right amount of natural sweetness and color.
Potatoes (3 medium): Peeled and diced to soften wonderfully and absorb the stew’s flavors.
Onion (1 medium): Chopped to add a savory depth and aromatic warmth.
Garlic (2 cloves): Minced to infuse the stew with its classic pungent kick.
Beef broth (2 cups): The flavorful liquid base that brings all the ingredients together.
Frozen peas (1 cup): Stirred in at the end for a pop of green and gentle sweetness.
All-purpose flour (1/3 cup): Coats the beef to help thicken the stew perfectly as it cooks.
Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Adds a hint of acidity and rich color to deepen the taste.
Dried thyme (1 tsp): Brings a subtle herbal note that complements the beef beautifully.
Dried rosemary (1 tsp): Offers an earthy fragrance that elevates the whole dish.
Bay leaf (1): Slowly imparts its signature savory flavor during simmering.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for browning the beef and unlocking its deep, caramelized flavor.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for a bright, fresh garnish to finish the stew.

How to Make Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Comfort Meals

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

First things first, toss those beef cubes with the flour to give them a light coating. This little trick is the secret to a thickened stew that clings perfectly to each tender bite. Season well with salt and pepper to layer your flavors right from the start.

Step 2: Browning the Meat

Heat the olive oil in a skillet and brown the beef in batches. This step isn’t just about color—it locks in savory goodness and adds an irresistible depth to your stew. Don’t rush it; a nice golden sear means every spoonful bursts with flavor.

Step 3: Adding the Vegetables

Next, layer the lively veggies right into your crock pot. Carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic nestle in around the beef, ready to soak up all those delicious juices as the stew simmers low and slow.

Step 4: Mixing the Broth

Pour in the beef broth, add tomato paste and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and the indispensable bay leaf. Give everything a good stir so all the flavors mingle—the magic is already happening!

Step 5: Cooking the Stew

Cover your crock pot and let everything simmer away. Whether you opt for 7 to 8 hours on low or a faster 4 to 5 hours on high, patience here transforms the meat to fall-apart tenderness and the veggies to perfect softness.

Step 6: Adding the Peas

About 30 minutes before mealtime, stir in the frozen peas for a fresh pop of green and flavor. Remember to fish out the bay leaf so your stew’s seasonings shine without any surprises!

Step 7: Final Touches

Give everything a final taste test and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Your Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Comfort Meals is now ready to serve and impress!

Step 8: Serving the Stew

Dish out the stew into warm bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a cheerful finish. Pair it with crusty bread or warm rolls to soak up every last savory drop.

How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Comfort Meals

Garnishes

Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a bright, herbal lift that balances the stew’s richness and makes every bite feel refreshing and vibrant. You can also experiment with a dash of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra twist.

Side Dishes

This beef stew is a hearty meal on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like buttery mashed potatoes, a light green salad, or even some steamed green beans. Don’t forget the crusty artisan bread for that soul-satisfying dipping experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming dinner, serve the stew in rustic bowls or mini cast iron pots for each guest. Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for added creaminess. A side of roasted root vegetables can also create an inviting, colorful plate that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a little treasure.

Freezing

This stew freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that tender texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the stew feels too thick, and heat until just warmed through for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for slow cooking, chuck roast cut into cubes works wonderfully and becomes tender when cooked low and slow.

Can I skip browning the beef?

Browning the beef adds huge flavor and a richer color to your stew, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just note the stew might lack some of those deep, savory notes.

What can I use instead of frozen peas?

Green beans, lima beans, or frozen corn are great alternatives that add both texture and color to your stew. Add them towards the end of cooking like the peas.

Is it possible to make this stew in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then pressure cook the stew for about 35 minutes with a natural release. Add peas at the end and stir well.

How thick should the stew be?

It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still have enough broth to feel hearty and comforting. The flour coating on the beef helps, but if it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Comfort Meals is truly a game changer for anyone who loves a fuss-free, soul-warming dinner. With its simple ingredients and effortless preparation, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again whenever you need that cozy, satisfying meal. So go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret having this hearty favorite in your recipe collection!

Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Comfort Meals Recipe

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★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Tender beef cubes, potatoes, carrots, and peas are slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful broth infused with herbs and tomato paste. Set-it-and-forget-it simplicity meets classic home-cooked goodness in this satisfying stew.

Author: Rico
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course, Stew
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stew:

2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup frozen peas
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preparing the Beef: Start by placing the beef cubes in a large bowl. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and toss until all the pieces are coated evenly. This helps to thicken your stew later. Season with a little salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Browning the Meat: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, brown the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook each batch for about 5 minutes or until they are a nice golden-brown color. Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot when done.
Adding the Vegetables: Now, it’s time to add the veggies! In the crock pot, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the browned beef.
Mixing the Broth: Next, pour in the beef broth, and add the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients so they’re evenly distributed.
Cooking the Stew: Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You want the beef to become tender and the vegetables to be cooked through.
Adding the Peas: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, gently stir in the frozen peas. Make sure to remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid an unpleasant bite.
Final Touches: Give your stew a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Once everything is seasoned to your liking, it’s time to serve!
Serving the Stew: Serve the hot beef stew in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. This stew is perfect with some crusty bread on the side for dipping!

Notes

For extra flavor, brown the beef thoroughly but avoid burning it to keep stew taste balanced.
You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables in place of peas if preferred.
Adjust salt and pepper seasoning to taste toward the end of cooking.
Use a good quality beef broth for best flavor results or homemade broth if available.
Leftover stew tastes great the next day and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
If stew is too thick after cooking, add a bit of water or additional broth to reach desired consistency.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: beef stew, crock pot stew, slow cooker beef stew, comfort food, easy stew recipe, hearty meal, winter recipe