Print

Cozy Crockpot Beef and Potato Stew

cozy crockpot beef and potato stew - featured image

A warm and comforting slow-cooked beef stew with potatoes and root vegetables, perfect for cozy nights and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz) low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning beef)
  • 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch/arrowroot powder for gluten-free option)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Toss the beef in 2 tablespoons of flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches until all sides are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the crockpot.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer to the crockpot.
  4. Add diced potatoes, carrots, and parsnips to the crockpot. Pour in beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Add thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. For thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the stew. Cook uncovered on high for the last few minutes.
  7. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Serve warm.

Notes

Browning the beef before slow cooking adds rich flavor. Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Optional to add red wine or smoked paprika for flavor variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot beef stew, slow cooker stew, beef and potato stew, comfort food, easy crockpot recipe, root vegetable stew