Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

Beef stew is one of the most classic crockpot recipes so of course a crockpot beef stew recipe needs to be locked in. Packed with beef, carrots, potatoes, and more, this will be comfort food for dinner or meal prep!

Jump to Recipe

Crockpot beef stew recipe

Crockpot beef strew is a hearty comfort dish that typically has beef chunks, and vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions and celery. It's made by simmering in a beef broth for several hours and turns out with tender beef that is so flavorful. Personally I love how easy a crockpot beef stew recipe is to make and it ends up being a complete meal. 

Crockpot beef stew ingredients 

The ingredients for this recipe are common ingredients easily found in most grocery stores. The best thing is that you simply combine everything together for an easy slow cooker beef stew recipe. 

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
• 2 tablespoon lentils 
• 1 cups celery, chopped 
• 1.5 cups onions, diced
• 2 cups carrots, cut 
• 3 cups yellow potatoes, cubed
• 16 oz can undrained string beans 
• 10.5 oz cans tomato soup 
• 2 cups water 
• 1 packets stew seasoning 

How to make crockpot beef stew

This recipe is SO easy to make! Here's how to make it with some pantry staples:

• Add all ingredients to a crockpot. Stir.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high 6-8 hours until there is tender potatoes and beef. 
• Serve with a crusty, toasted bread. 
• Enjoy!

A tip for cooking this recipe is to throw all of the ingredients into the crock pot before you start work for the day or right when you get up in the morning so there's plenty of time for cooking and you'll come home to the best beef stew. 

Beef stew substitution ideas

One of the beautiful things about cooking a classic beef stew is that there's so many different ways you can change the recipe and have it turn out to be a great meal. 

• Instead of yellow potatoes you could use red potatoes, russet potatoes, or a potato medley
• Instead of canned string beans you can use fresh green beans 
• You can use more or less of any of the vegetables 
• Some beef stew recipes will add extra vegetables like mushrooms or peas
• Common additions to beef stew are herbs like thyme or parsley, and some people like to cook with a bay leaves 

How long does beef stew last in the fridge?

This recipe lasts about 5 days in the fridge once it's cooked. I have made this for meal prep and will reheat and enjoy all week!

If I'm making for the freezer, I'll freeze for up to 3 months.​

How to meal prep this recipe

I made this crockpot beef stew recipe with the intention of making for meal prep! My goal was to make recipes for the freezer so I could use them for postpartum dinners.

I have an entire blog post on crockpot freezer meals which essentially are meals frozen in gallon bags to be used later. The goal was to create several freezer dump meals, or meals are made by dumping raw ingredients into a gallon ziploc bag, freezing, and then reheating in a crockpot later. These meals are simple, easy to make, and delicious. Each recipe makes 3 bags with 4-6 servings per bag.

To make as a freezer meal:

Combine all ingredients into a large Ziploc bag. 

When ready to cook:

Allow to thaw for 24 hours in the fridge. Dump the ingredients in the slow cooker or crock pot, stir and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 6-8 hours.

To reheat:

When you're ready to enjoy, warm up in a microwave safe dish. I would start with one minute on high, and then remove and stir. Heat to your personal preference. 

How to store beef stew

To store this recipe, let it cool completely and then place in a sealed storage container in the fridge. It will last for about 5 days.

What goes well with beef stew?

Because beef stew has so many classic ingredients, it honestly is a complete meal on its own. However when my family enjoys it for dinner, we love adding a crusty bread like sourdough! And for those above the age of 21, a glass of red wine usually pairs well. 

I asked some of my friends what they like with beef stew and some of their ideas were mashed potatoes, polenta, cornbread with butter, and dinner rolls. Honestly all of those sound like they'd be great. 

More crockpot recipes

Looking for more easy crockpot recipes?

• Crockpot Alfredo Marinara Chicken Pasta
• Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
• Crockpot Mexican Chicken

If you're specifically looking for more crockpot recipes you can prep ahead of time and keep in the freezer, take a look at my crockpot freezer meals post which has several freezer meals you prep ahead of time and pull from the freezer whenever you need an easy dinner.