Easy Crock-Pot Beef Stew
A hearty, flavorful beef stew cooked in a crock-pot with potatoes, carrots, and savory seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and chop the potatoes, carrots, and onion.
- Place the chopped vegetables into the crock-pot.
- Add the stewing beef cubes, condensed soup, beef broth, and dry onion soup mix to the crock-pot.
- Mix all ingredients well to combine.
- Cook on high for 5 to 6 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef cubes in a skillet before adding them to the crock-pot. You can substitute the stewing beef with chuck roast or even venison for a different taste. If you prefer a thicker stew, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking. For a twist, try adding a can of diced tomatoes or some herbs like thyme.
Serving Suggestions
This beef stew is hearty and pairs well with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables. It also makes a great filling for a savory pot pie, which can be a delightful twist on traditional American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Crock-Pot Beef Stew contains roughly 816 calories, with 15g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (135% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and potassium (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1395mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in this beef stew?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables for convenience. Just add them in during the last hour of cooking to ensure they don’t become mushy. However, fresh vegetables provide better texture and flavor.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when mixing the ingredients. Alternatively, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a milder heat that still enhances the overall flavor.
Is it possible to make this stew gluten-free?
Yes, to make this stew gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of celery or mushroom soup, and ensure your beef broth or gravy is gluten-free as well. Additionally, check the dry onion soup mix for gluten-containing ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).