Crock Pot Beef Stew (Dump & Go) – Thick, Cozy Comfort Food
There is nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of thick, slow-cooked beef stew simmering away all day, filling your home with rich, savory aromas. This Crock Pot Beef Stew is the ultimate dump-and-go recipe—simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying. With tender chunks of beef, perfectly cooked potatoes, sweet carrots, and a rich, savory broth, this stew delivers that classic homemade flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you are feeding a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or craving a cozy dinner on a cold night, this slow cooker beef stew recipe is a reliable favorite. It requires no browning, no complicated steps, and no babysitting—just add everything to the crock pot and let time do the work.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Dump-and-go convenience – minimal prep, maximum flavor
- Thick and hearty texture that feels truly comforting
- Fork-tender beef that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste even better
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and seasonings
Ingredients & Their Roles
- 2 lbs stew beef (chuck roast chunks)
Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking. Its marbling breaks down over long cook times, creating tender, juicy beef that absorbs flavor beautifully. - 4 cups potatoes, chopped
Potatoes add heartiness and body to the stew. They soak up the broth and help create a naturally thick, satisfying texture. - 3 cups carrots, sliced
Carrots bring natural sweetness and balance to the savory broth while holding their shape during long cooking. - 1 onion, chopped
Onion forms the flavor base of the stew, adding depth and mild sweetness as it slowly softens. - 3 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic enhances the savory profile and adds warmth without overpowering the dish. - 3 cups beef broth
Beef broth creates a rich, savory liquid that infuses every ingredient with flavor. - 2 tbsp tomato paste (or ½ cup ketchup)
Tomato paste adds umami depth and richness. Ketchup is a great alternative that adds subtle sweetness. - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
This secret ingredient boosts savory complexity with tangy, umami notes. - 1 tsp salt + ½ tsp black pepper
Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors. - 1 tsp garlic powder
Adds an extra layer of garlic flavor that holds up during long cooking. - 1 tsp onion powder
Deepens the onion flavor throughout the stew. - 1 tsp paprika
Provides warmth and subtle smokiness, giving the stew a richer color and taste. - 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
This slurry thickens the stew at the end, creating that luxuriously thick, cozy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Load the Crock Pot
Place the stew beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic directly into the slow cooker. Spread them evenly so everything cooks uniformly.
2. Add the Flavor
Pour in the beef broth, followed by the tomato paste (or ketchup) and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir gently to combine.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on:
- LOW for 8 hours (best for ultra-tender beef)
- HIGH for 4–5 hours if you’re short on time
The stew is ready when the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are perfectly soft.
4. Thicken the Stew
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir it into the stew, cover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes until thickened.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy every cozy bite.
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Stew
- Cut beef into even chunks for consistent tenderness.
- Don’t lift the lid during cooking—heat loss slows the process.
- For extra richness, replace ½ cup of broth with red wine.
- Like thicker stew? Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch slurry.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—the flavors deepen beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This classic Crock Pot Beef Stew pairs perfectly with:
- Crusty bread for soaking up the rich broth
- Buttermilk biscuits for ultimate comfort
- Mashed potatoes for an extra-hearty meal
- A simple green salad to balance the richness
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Beef Stew proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and slow-cooked perfection, this recipe delivers deep flavor, thick texture, and cozy satisfaction every single time. It’s the kind of meal that brings people back for seconds—and asks for the recipe.
If you’re looking for a reliable, hearty, dump-and-go slow cooker recipe that tastes like it simmered all day (because it did), this beef stew deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation.
