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Bowl of Crockpot Beef Stew featuring tender beef, carrots, and potatoes garnished with parsley

Crockpot Beef Stew

This Crockpot Beef Stew takes just 15 minutes of prep and delivers tender, flavorful results every single time. It's my go-to slow cooker recipe for busy weeknight dinners—minimal effort, maximum flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs. red potatoes $2.40
  • 1 yellow onion diced ($0.37)
  • 3 carrots sliced ($0.44)
  • 4 stalks celery sliced ($0.44)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced ($0.32)
  • 1.5 lbs. beef stew meat $11.24
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.03
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil $0.08
  • 2 cups beef broth $0.27
  • 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard $0.13
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce $0.06
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce $0.06
  • 1.5 tsp brown sugar $0.02
  • 1.5 tsp dried rosemary $0.15
  • 1.5 tsp dried thyme $0.15

Method
 

  1. Dice the onion and red potatoes. Slice the carrots and celery. Mince the garlic. Place all veggies in your slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, toss the beef stew meat with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil, then sear the beef until browned on all sides.
  4. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
  5. Lower skillet heat to medium-low, then deglaze with beef broth, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rosemary, and thyme. Stir until all browned bits dissolve.
  6. Pour the broth mixture into the slow cooker. Stir everything to combine.
  7. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours until the meat and veggies are tender.
  8. Stir well before serving to thicken the gravy with broken-down potatoes. Adjust seasoning to taste, and enjoy hot!

Notes

Sear the beef: Browning adds a rich, caramelized flavor. Don’t skip this step!