There’s nothing better than coming home from a long day and entering your home with the lovely aroma of a meal that’s ready to eat. Especially this comforting and filling Crockpot Beef Stew that's thick, hearty, and healthy. With delicious veggies like carrots and potatoes and protein packed pieces of stew meat - it's a meal the entire family loves!
This Old-Fashioned Crockpot Beef Stew is thick, hearty, and full of protein! Cooking it on high for five hours results in a delicious and flavorful stew. You control the size of the vegetables—keep them big and chunky or dice them smaller to hide them from picky eaters.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Instructions for the Beef Stew
- Best Potatoes for Beef Stew
- Substitutions
- Variations of Beef Crockpot Stew
- Equipment Needed
- Storing the Leftover Stew
- Instant Pot Directions
- Quality Seasonings
- Tips for Crockpot Beef Stew
- FAQs
- Looking for more Delicious Recipes?
- Old Fashioned Crockpot Beef Stew
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Stew Meat – Not only does it provide a rich, beefy flavor, but it also becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- Lori’s Beef Stew Seasoning Packet – This carefully crafted blend of seasonings enhances the dish with deep, comforting flavors, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned.
- Flour (Gluten-Free or Regular) – This ingredient helps coat the beef, allowing the stew to thicken beautifully as it cooks.
- Beef Broth – It adds depth and richness to the stew base, infusing the dish with a savory warmth.
- Carrots – These add a slight sweetness while also contributing a vibrant pop of color to the stew.
- Onion – With its strong, aromatic presence, onion enhances the overall savory depth of the dish.
- White Potatoes – These potatoes hold their shape well and absorb the delicious stew flavors, making them a perfect addition.
- Celery Ribs – Offering a subtle crunch, celery helps balance the texture while enhancing the broth’s flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for the Beef Stew
- Step 1: First, in a large bowl, stir together the stew meat and Lori’s Beef Stew Seasoning Packet. (Reserve 2 t and set aside.) Next, add the flour to the beef and mix.
- Step 2: Now, place the seasoned beef in the slow cooker. Peel and chop the carrots. Chop the potatoes and celery into desired size.
- Step 3: Next, spread the chopped carrots, onion, potatoes, and celery on top of the meat mixture. Sprinkle the reserved 2 teaspoons of seasoning over the vegetables.
- Step 4: Lastly, pour in the beef broth. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 7 hours, until the meat and vegetables are tender.
Best Potatoes for Beef Stew
Hint: For the best Old-Fashioned Crockpot Beef Stew, start by choosing waxy or all-purpose potatoes, which hold their shape well. Here are the top choices to consider:
- Yukon Gold – They have a buttery texture, making them ideal for stews.
- Red Potatoes – Their waxy texture helps them hold their shape, preventing them from falling apart.
- Baby Potatoes – These small, waxy potatoes are convenient because they don’t require peeling.
On the other hand, avoid Russet potatoes, as they tend to break down and become mushy in stew.
Substitutions
Grain Free Option
- Omit the flour. The stew will be more broth-like, but rest assured, it will still be delicious.
Potato Substitutes
- Sweet potatoes – These add a subtle sweetness, which brings a unique twist to the dish.
- Turnips or parsnips – They provide a similar texture, yet offer a slightly different flavor.
Thickening Agent Substitutes
- Cornstarch slurry – This is a great gluten-free thickening alternative. Just mix cornstarch with water before adding it to the stew.
- Mashed potatoes – Not only do they naturally thicken the stew, but they also add a creamy texture.
Variations of Beef Crockpot Stew
- Irish Guinness Stew – This version adds Guinness beer, which enhances the dish with a deep, malty flavor.
- Italian-Inspired Stew – By including tomatoes, rosemary, and white beans, you create a Mediterranean twist.
- Low-Carb/Keto Beef Stew – Simply replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips, which makes it a great low-carb option.
- Smaller Pieces – Cutting the beef and veggies into bite-sized pieces not only makes it easier to eat but also helps them cook evenly.
- Serve with Fun Sides – Enjoy this hearty stew with dinner rolls, or for an extra comforting meal, serve it over buttered noodles.
Equipment Needed
- Crockpot - Essential for slow cooking this stew to perfection.
- Vegetable Peeler
- Knife
- Cuttiing Board
Storing the Leftover Stew
- To store leftovers properly, first, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days to maintain freshness.
- Additionally, this Old-Fashioned Crockpot Beef Stew freezes exceptionally well when stored in airtight containers. When you're ready to enjoy it again, first thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or, if you’re short on time, let it sit on the counter for a quicker thaw. Finally, warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave for a delicious meal anytime.
Instant Pot Directions
- First, omit the flour from the recipe.
- Next, follow the same directions by adding all the ingredients to the Instant Pot.
- Then, cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes. After that, allow a 10-15 minute natural release before carefully opening the lid.
- Finally, if you prefer a thicker stew, stir in a cornstarch slurry (3 tablespoon cornstarch + 3 tablespoon water). Then, use the sauté function for a few minutes until the stew reaches your desired consistency.
Quality Seasonings
When I created my seasoning packets, I knew they had to be made with only the best ingredients. That’s why they contain no anti-caking agents, no MSG, and no preservatives—just pure seasonings and herbs. This is extremely important to me because I want every meal to be as clean and wholesome as possible. With my seasoning packets, you can enjoy bold flavors without the unnecessary additives found in store-bought mixes. Every blend including this Stew is crafted to bring out the best in your dishes, making home cooking easier, healthier, and more delicious. If you love hearty soups, consider also trying my Mexican Lentil Soup!
Tips for Crockpot Beef Stew
Do I need to brown the meat first?
Browning the meat first definitely adds a rich flavor and helps seal in juices. However, it’s not absolutely necessary. Personally, I skip this step, and the stew still tastes amazing! That said, if time permits, you can brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker for an extra depth of flavor.
FAQs
Most likely, it just needs more time to cook. As it slow-cooks, the tough connective tissues gradually break down, resulting in tender, flavorful beef. If your stew isn't as tender as you'd like, simply let it cook a little longer until the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft.
It’s best to thaw meat first for food safety and even cooking.
Looking for more Delicious Recipes?
Try these:
Old Fashioned Crockpot Beef Stew
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- Lori's Beef Stew Seasoning Packet
- ½ C flour
- 3 C beef broth
- 5 medium sized carrots
- 1 medium sized white or yellow onion
- 1 lb potatoes yukon gold, red potatoes, or baby potatoes
- 4 celery ribs
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the stew meat and Lori's Beef Stew seasoning packet (reserve 2 t for step 6)
- Add the flour to the beef and stir together to coat the beef well.
- Place the beef in the slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth.
- Peel the carrots and chop them into desired size. Chop up the onions, potatoes, and celery on top of the stew meat.
- Sprinkle the reserved 2 t of the seasonings on top of the veggies.
- Cook for 5-6 hours on high or low for 7 hours. The veggies and the meat should be tender.
