Craving a meal that warms you from the inside out? This Easy Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew might be the hearty comfort food your slow cooker has been waiting for. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with nostalgic aromas and delivers fork-tender beef with every bite.

Inspired by homey simplicity, this stew is a slow-cooked masterpiece of chuck roast, potatoes, and carrots swimming in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for busy weekdays, cozy weekends, or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s as effortless as it is satisfying.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this beef stew smooth sailing, a few key tools will set you up for success:

1. Large Crockpot (6-8 quarts): The slow cooker is the heart of this dish, allowing flavors to meld slowly while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

2. Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Essential for chopping your beef chunks and hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions with clean precision.

3. Skillet (Optional): For browning the beef before it goes into the crockpot. This step isn’t required but adds a caramelized depth to the stew.

4. Ladle: Makes serving easier and lets you scoop generous helpings of broth, beef, and veggies in one go.

5. Vegetable Peeler: Helps prep your carrots and potatoes quickly, keeping the textures smooth and clean.

By setting up your tools ahead of time, you turn a rustic recipe into a streamlined kitchen moment.

Ingredients for the Easy Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

Beef Chuck Roast: The soul of this stew. Its marbled texture breaks down beautifully during long cooking, making each bite tender.

Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes: These hold their shape without turning mushy, soaking up all the meaty flavors.

Carrots: For natural sweetness and hearty texture that balances the savory base.

Onion: Brings aromatic depth and rounds out the stew’s flavor profile.

Garlic: A must-have for a warm, robust background note.

Tomato Paste: Adds richness and a touch of acidity to the gravy.

Beef Broth: Forms the foundation of the stew’s deliciously sippable gravy.

Worcestershire Sauce: A small splash adds complexity and umami.

Bay Leaves & Thyme: For a subtle herbal infusion that brings everything together.

Salt & Pepper: Season as you go to develop layers of flavor.

Cornstarch (optional): For thickening the stew toward the end, if desired.

How To Make the Easy Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

Heat a skillet over medium-high and brown the seasoned beef chunks on all sides. This caramelization locks in flavor and builds the stew’s base.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot

Place chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes at the bottom. Add your seared beef on top. Pour in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme.

Step 3: Let It Simmer Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be falling-apart tender, and the vegetables perfectly soft.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Thicken

Remove bay leaves. Taste and season as needed. For a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the crockpot. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.

Serving and Storing This Cozy Crockpot Stew

This stew practically begs for a slice of crusty bread or buttery biscuits on the side. Ladle it into wide bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens over time! It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this stew gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and swap cornstarch for flour if you choose to thicken it.

Can I use stew meat instead of chuck roast?

Yes, but chuck roast is preferred for better marbling and texture. Pre-packaged stew meat can be a bit leaner and may not turn out as tender.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can chop everything and store it in the fridge the night before. Just dump it into the crockpot the next day.

What vegetables can I substitute or add?

Try sweet potatoes, celery, or parsnips. Keep sizes uniform to ensure even cooking.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes, simmer in a large Dutch oven for about 2 hours on low heat, covered. Stir occasionally.

How can I make the broth thicker?

Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water and add it to the stew during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

Want More Beef Stew and Hearty Meal Ideas?

If you’re into cozy one-pot meals, don’t miss the Hearty One Pot Beef Stew Recipe for a stovetop variation with similar flavors.

Love a creamy twist? My Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup delivers beefy comfort with pasta and cheese.

Craving pasta with your beef? The Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta offers a rich tomato-based combo.

For more spice and depth, check out the Wendy’s Chili Recipe, packed with beans, beef, and bold flavors.

And don’t overlook the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe for another slow-cooker classic with serious crowd appeal.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner or comfort food boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you sear your beef or skip it? Did you add any twists? Drop a comment below. I’m always curious how your kitchens bring it to life.

You can also check out my daily recipe pins over on Pinterest @LadyPlate for more cozy meal ideas!