This Crockpot Beef Stew is the ultimate comforting slow-cooker dinner: tender, juicy chunks of beef simmered slowly with carrots and potatoes in a rich, savory gravy. With a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, the slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, and cozy family dinners.
The combination of buttery beef, onion seasoning, au jus gravy, and Italian seasoning creates a deeply flavorful sauce that coats every bite. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal, or enjoy it on its own with warm crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Beef Stew
- 2½–3 lbs (1.1–1.4 kg) beef chuck roast, cut into 1½–2-inch cubes
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) au jus gravy mix
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) dry onion soup or onion seasoning mix
- 1 packet Italian salad dressing & seasoning mix
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 4–5 medium carrots, peeled and cut into thick slices
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1½–2 cups beef broth
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional Additions
For extra flavor and texture, you can also add:
- 1 medium yellow onion, cut into chunks
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
Cut the beef chuck into large, evenly sized pieces. Pat the beef dry with paper towels. This helps the meat develop better flavor if you choose to brown it before adding it to the slow cooker.
For an optional extra step, heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches until browned on the outside. You don’t need to cook it through—the slow cooker will finish the job.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
Peel the carrots and potatoes and cut them into large pieces.
Keeping the vegetables relatively large is important because they will cook for several hours. Smaller pieces can become very soft or break apart during the long cooking time.
3. Layer Everything in the Crockpot
Place the beef chunks into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the carrots and potatoes around and over the beef.
Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix, dry onion seasoning mix, and Italian seasoning mix evenly over everything.
Add the black pepper and any optional garlic, onion, or Worcestershire sauce.
4. Add the Butter
Place the butter on top of the beef and vegetables.
As the stew cooks, the butter melts into the meat juices and seasonings, helping create a rich and flavorful gravy.
5. Add the Broth
Pour the beef broth around the sides of the slow cooker.
You don’t need to completely cover the ingredients. The beef and vegetables will release additional moisture as they cook.
6. Slow Cook
Cover the Crockpot with the lid and cook until the beef is extremely tender.
LOW: 7–8 hours
HIGH: 4–5 hours
Cooking on LOW is recommended when you have the time because the longer cooking period allows the beef to become especially tender and flavorful.
7. Check the Stew
When the cooking time is complete, check the beef with a fork. It should be tender enough to break apart easily.
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, leave the lid slightly open for the final 20–30 minutes, or transfer some of the cooking liquid to a saucepan and thicken it with a cornstarch slurry.
8. Garnish and Serve
Carefully spoon the beef, potatoes, carrots, and gravy into serving bowls.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Serve immediately while hot.
How to Make the Gravy Thicker
If you prefer a rich, thick stew gravy, combine:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Mix until smooth, then stir the slurry into the hot cooking liquid near the end of cooking. Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes, or until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
What Kind of Beef Is Best?
Beef chuck roast is an excellent choice for Crockpot beef stew because it contains enough connective tissue and marbling to remain flavorful during long, slow cooking.
As the beef cooks slowly, the connective tissue breaks down and helps produce tender meat and a rich cooking liquid.
Avoid very lean cuts if possible, as they can become dry after several hours in the slow cooker.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Stew
Cut everything evenly: Similar-sized beef and vegetable pieces cook more consistently.
Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: If the Crockpot is packed too tightly, the ingredients may cook unevenly.
Brown the beef first: This step isn’t required, but searing the beef can add a deeper roasted flavor.
Don’t lift the lid too often: Every time you remove the lid, heat escapes and the cooking time can increase.
Use large vegetable pieces: Potatoes and carrots can become very soft after several hours, so larger chunks hold their shape better.
Taste before adding extra salt: The au jus and seasoning packets can already contain a significant amount of salt.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty beef stew pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Crusty French bread
- Homemade dinner rolls
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Steamed green beans
- Simple garden salad
- Buttered noodles
For an especially comforting meal, spoon the tender beef and rich gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
Storage
Allow leftover stew to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or gently heat the stew in a saucepan over medium-low heat until completely hot.
The stew can also be frozen in freezer-safe containers for approximately 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 7½–8½ hours
Servings: 6–8
Cuisine: American-inspired comfort food
Method: Slow Cooker
Difficulty: Easy
Final Note
This Crockpot Beef Stew is one of those recipes that’s perfect when you want a satisfying homemade dinner without spending hours standing over the stove. Simply add the beef, vegetables, seasonings, butter, and broth to the slow cooker, let everything simmer slowly, and you’ll end up with fork-tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich savory gravy that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes.