Thick & Cozy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Rich, hearty, and slow-simmered to perfection — this comforting beef stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and a thick savory gravy.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Stew
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1½-inch cubes
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
3 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
4 medium carrots, sliced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
To Thicken (Optional but Recommended)
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Beef
In a bowl, toss beef cubes with flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until coated.
2️⃣ Sear for Flavor (Highly Recommended)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side.
Transfer browned beef to the crock pot.
(This step adds deep flavor but can be skipped if short on time.)
3️⃣ Build the Stew
Add to the crock pot:
Onion
Garlic
Carrots
Potatoes
Celery
Thyme
Rosemary
Bay leaves
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Pour over everything.
4️⃣ Slow Cook
Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours
orCook on HIGH for 4–5 hours
Beef should be fork-tender and vegetables soft.
5️⃣ Make It Thick & Cozy
If you prefer a thicker stew:
Mix cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry.
Stir into stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Let it cook until thickened.
Remove bay leaves before serving.
🥣 Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls
Spoon over mashed potatoes
Garnish with fresh parsley
💡 Tips for the Best Stew
Use beef chuck for the most tender results.
Cut vegetables into large chunks so they don’t overcook.
For extra richness, add ½ cup frozen peas in the last 30 minutes.
Stew tastes even better the next day!
