Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew is a rich, hearty, and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days. Slow-cooked to perfection, this stew features tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a thick, savory broth. It’s a simple, hands-off recipe that delivers big flavors with minimal effort, making it a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Set-It-and-Forget-It – The crockpot does all the work, making this an easy meal.
  • Rich and Flavorful – Slow cooking enhances the depth of flavors.
  • Perfect Comfort Food – Ideal for cold nights or cozy family dinners.
  • Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day.
  • Customizable – Adjust vegetables and seasonings to your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
  • Carrots, celery, and potatoes
  • Onion and garlic
  • Beef broth
  • Tomato paste
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme and rosemary
  • Flour (for thickening)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Sear the Beef – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Coat beef cubes in flour, then sear until browned on all sides. Transfer to the crockpot.
  2. Add Vegetables – Place carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, and garlic in the crockpot.
  3. Prepare the Broth – In a bowl, mix beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour over the beef and vegetables.
  4. Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
  5. Serve and Enjoy – Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
  • Total Time: 7-8 hours and 15 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
  • Thicker Gravy: Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the stew 30 minutes before serving.
  • Extra Vegetables: Mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers add more texture and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding broth if needed.

FAQs

Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, short ribs or brisket work well, but chuck roast is best for tenderness.

Does searing the beef make a difference?

Yes, searing locks in flavor and enhances the depth of the stew.

Can I add wine for extra flavor?

Absolutely! A splash of red wine adds richness to the broth.

How do I make the broth thicker?

Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in near the end of cooking.

What can I serve with this stew?

Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad pair well.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cook on high for 35 minutes with a natural release.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Not necessarily—leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but add them in the last hour to prevent overcooking.

How can I make this stew dairy-free?

The recipe is naturally dairy-free, just avoid thickening with butter-based roux.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Simmer gently on the stovetop, adding broth if needed to maintain the consistency.

Conclusion

Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew is a delicious and effortless meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping meals ahead of time, this slow-cooked stew is sure to be a hit. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of homemade goodness!

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Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on HIGH
  • Total Time: Approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Description: This Crockpot Beef Stew combines succulent beef chunks with hearty vegetables, all simmered in a savory broth. It’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for busy days and sure to warm you up on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 lbs. beef stew meat
  • 1 1/2 cups beef stock
  • 3/4 cup red wine
  • 3 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 oz. whole mushrooms (white or baby bella), halved
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Cooked wide egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving
  • 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef:

    • Place the beef stew meat in the base of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Mix the Sauce:

    • In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the beef stock, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, flour, garlic, seasoned salt, and ground black pepper until smooth.
  3. Assemble the Stew:

    • Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
    • Add the thyme sprigs on top.
    • Layer the onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms over the beef and sauce.
  4. Cook:

    • Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
    • Cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, stirring halfway through, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  5. Finish and Serve:

    • Once cooked, remove the thyme sprigs.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
    • Serve the stew over cooked wide egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Browning the Beef (Optional): For added depth of flavor, you can brown the beef in a skillet with a bit of oil before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is optional but enhances the stew’s richness.

  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for additional flavor and texture.

  • Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove a cup of the cooking liquid, whisk in an additional tablespoon of flour until smooth, and then stir it back into the stew. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.

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