When the temperatures drop and you find yourself craving a cozy bowl of comfort, this Easy Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew will never let you down. It’s hearty, packed with tender chunks of beef, soft potatoes, and carrots that melt in your mouth, all swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. Best part? It practically cooks itself while you’re off enjoying your day.

Whether you’re making this stew on a busy weekday or as a lazy Sunday dinner, it’s one of those meals that brings the family together. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, slowly simmering everything into a savory dish that tastes like it’s been cooking for hours – because it has. You’ll love the simplicity, the warmth, and the old-fashioned charm of this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

This beef stew is a fuss-free, deeply satisfying meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd, but it also stores beautifully for leftovers. The beef becomes fork-tender, and the vegetables soak up all the incredible flavors of the broth. It’s a perfect blend of rustic home-cooking and modern convenience.

What Kind of Beef Should I Use?

Chuck roast is the classic choice for crockpot beef stew. It’s well-marbled and breaks down beautifully during the long, slow cooking process. You can also use stew meat that’s already pre-cut, but make sure it has good marbling so it doesn’t dry out. If you’re in a pinch, brisket or round roast can work too, but they may take a little longer to reach that fall-apart tenderness.

Ingredients for the Easy Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

Every ingredient in this stew plays a role in creating the deep, comforting flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Beef chuck roast – Rich and marbled, this cut becomes incredibly tender in the slow cooker.

Gold potatoes – These hold their shape nicely and bring a buttery flavor.

Carrots – Add natural sweetness and hearty texture.

Celery – A subtle flavor that adds to the classic stew base.

Onion – Sweet and savory, onion rounds out the flavor of the broth.

Garlic – For that warm, aromatic depth.

Beef broth – The foundation of the stew; go for low sodium so you can season to taste.

Tomato paste – Adds a touch of richness and umami.

Worcestershire sauce – A secret flavor booster.

Thyme – Dried or fresh, it brings herby warmth.

Bay leaf – Enhances the background flavor of the stew.

Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning.

Cornstarch + water – To thicken the broth into a stew consistency.

Easy Pioneer Woman's Crockpot Beef Stew (1)

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

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil, and sear the beef chunks on all sides until browned. This step locks in flavor and makes a huge difference.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While the beef is browning, chop your potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion into hearty bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Load the Crockpot

Add the seared beef, vegetables, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into your crockpot. Give everything a good stir.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.

Step 5: Thicken the Stew

In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the crockpot. Let it cook uncovered until the stew thickens up.

How to Serve and Store Crockpot Beef Stew

This crockpot beef stew is best served hot and steamy in a big bowl with a slice of crusty bread on the side to soak up every bit of the savory broth. It feeds about 6 people generously, making it a great family dinner or meal prep option.

Got leftovers? You’re in luck. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The stew also freezes wonderfully—just cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.