Easy Crockpot Beef Stew

There is nothing better than a hearty bowl of stew on a cold day. Other than having dinner in the slow cooker first thing in the morning. 

Easy Crockpot Beef Stew 

Our delicious beef stew recipe checks all the boxes. It's healthy, hearty, full of flavor, chock full of veggies and will make your house smell wonderful all day. 

It's easy to customize to suit what you have on hand, and picky eater approved. 

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew Ingredients

• Lean Ground Beef
• Onion
• Garlic
• Cream of Mushroom Soup
• Vegetable Broth
• Tomato Vegetable Juice 
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Potatoes
• Corn
• Peas
• Carrots
• Celery Flakes
• Salt
• Pepper
• Marjoram
• Thyme 

Beef Stew in a Crockpot FAQs

How long should I cook beef stew in a crockpot?

Beef stew in a crockpot typically takes 6-8 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat. Cooking times may vary depending on your specific crockpot and the size of your vegetable chunks, so it's best to check for doneness by ensuring the vegetables are cooked to your liking.

Can I add frozen vegetables to my crockpot beef stew?

Yes, you can add frozen vegetables to your crockpot beef stew, but it's recommended to thaw them before adding them to the slow cooker. I sometimes use frozen peas and corn for this recipe and I just rinse them with cool water in a colander before adding to the crockpot. 

Can I use other cuts of beef besides lean ground beef for my crockpot beef stew?

Yes, you can use various cuts of beef for your crockpot beef stew, such as chuck roast, bottom round, beef tips or sirloin. Stew meat is my favorite substitute because it is conveniently already cut into smaller pieces, but other cuts can work just as well if you cut them into bite-sized chunks. 

If you are substituting another meat you do not need to cook it prior to adding to the slow cooker, just make sure the meat is cooked through before consuming. 

What are some common thickeners for beef stew?

Common thickeners for beef stew include flour, cornstarch, and arrowroot powder. To thicken your stew, mix your chosen thickener with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry, and then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows the stew to thicken without forming lumps. 

This recipe is pretty thick already and doesn't typically need a slurry. 

Can I freeze leftover beef stew?

Yes, beef stew freezes well. Allow the stew to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Leave some space for expansion, as the liquid may expand as it freezes. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 3-4 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How to Make Beef Stew in Slow Cooker

You ready for the easy steps to make this recipe? For more detail and a video tutorial see the recipe card below. 

1. Add mushroom soup, vegetable broth, vegetable juice and Worcestershire sauce to the crockpot and whisk to combine. 
2. Cook your hamburger, onion and garlic until onion is soft and meat is mostly cooked. About 8 minutes. Drain excess grease. 
3. Add in corn, peas, carrots, celery flakes, salt, pepper, marjoram and thyme to slow cooker. 
4. Add in meat and potatoes and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When finished sauce should be thickened and vegetables should be cooked through. 

Easy Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe

Love soup recipes like we do? You will probably love these other reader favorites: 

If you try this recipe and enjoy it we would love for you to leave us a positive comment and review, they mean so much to us.