There’s just something about comforting, homestyle stews bubbling away in a slow cooker that feels like a big, cozy hug—and nothing embodies that more than the Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe. This savory, veggie-packed classic brings together tender cubes of beef, rustic root vegetables, and an aromatic, herby broth for the ultimate soul-warming meal. Whether you’re after a fuss-free family dinner or an excuse to inhale the delicious aroma all afternoon, this beef stew delivers heartfelt flavor with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe keeps things delightfully simple, relying on staple ingredients to create bold, rich flavor. Each item plays an important part: some add bulk, others bring savoriness or sweetness, and a few tie it all together with fresh color and aroma. Here’s what you’ll need—and why:
- Beef Stew Meat: Choose well-marbled chunks for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after hours of slow cooking.
- All-Purpose Flour: Lightly coating the beef helps create a thicker, more luxurious stew base as it cooks.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the stew and enhancing natural flavors.
- Olive Oil: Adds a gentle richness and helps the beef brown beautifully before slow cooking.
- Carrots: Bring sweetness and brilliant color—don’t skimp, these will be irresistible!
- Potatoes: Yukon golds or russets soak up the broth, making every bite extra hearty and filling.
- Celery: Infuses the stew with subtle earthiness and crunch.
- Onion: Adds sweet depth and rounds out the savory base.
- Garlic: Three cloves because garlic makes everything better, especially beef stew!
- Beef Broth: Provides the foundation for a robust, savory broth—use a low-sodium version if you prefer.
- Tomato Paste: For tang and body in the stew, contributing a lovely deep color and richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Boosts umami and gives the stew its signature savoriness.
- Dried Thyme: Lends a warm, woodsy note that pairs perfectly with beef.
- Dried Rosemary: Brings bright, aromatic flavor that’s simply essential in classic stews.
- Bay Leaves: Subtle but important, these infuse the broth with complex flavor as the stew simmers.
- Frozen Peas: Stirred in at the end, peas add a burst of green color and sweet freshness.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle at the end perks up every bowl!
How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Beef
Start by cutting your beef into generous, bite-sized cubes (about 1½ inches is ideal for the long, slow cooking time). Toss these pieces in flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until each cube is lightly coated. This step helps the beef develop a delicious crust when seared, while the flour later thickens the stew for that luscious, velvety consistency.
Step 2: Searing the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the flour-coated beef on all sides. Each batch takes about 4–5 minutes; you’re looking for a rich, golden color with a bit of crustiness. Don’t rush this step, as it layers on loads of flavor for the stew ahead.
Step 3: Load the Crockpot
Transfer all of your browned beef into the slow cooker insert. Then, pile in the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and minced garlic. The sturdy vegetables will soak up flavor and become delightfully tender after hours of gentle simmering.
Step 4: Mix the Broth and Aromatics
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. This blend not only creates the stew’s richly seasoned broth but also melds the flavors beautifully. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, making sure everything is well coated.
Step 5: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 8–9 hours (or high for 4–5 hours, if you’re short on time). As the Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe simmers, the beef transforms into tender, flavorful bites, and the vegetables release natural sweetness into the broth.
Step 6: Add Peas and Finish
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. This keeps them vibrantly green and slightly crisp instead of mushy. Fish out the bay leaves (no one wants a surprise!), then give the stew a gentle stir. Taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper, if needed.
Step 7: Serve Up!
Ladle your gorgeous Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe into wide, deep bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if you like, and savor every hearty bite!
How to Serve Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
This classic stew really loves a little flourish! Chopped fresh parsley brightens the bowl, while a pinch of cracked black pepper or even a dusting of parmesan can add pizzazz. Some folks like an extra drizzle of olive oil for sheen, but really, a heaping bowl of this stew barely needs a thing.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread is the quintessential companion for sopping up every drop of the rich broth. You can also spoon the stew over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or even a mound of rice for an utterly comforting meal. If you want something green, a crisp side salad balances all the savory flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe in a rustic bread bowl for fun, or dish up small portions in mugs for a casual gathering. For a special twist, try topping each bowl with homemade croutons or even a flaky pastry round for a nod to pot pie. It’s a dish that easily adapts to any occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The flavors in this stew only deepen after a day or two in the fridge! Simply transfer any cooled leftovers into airtight containers and store for up to four days. When you need a speedy, satisfying meal, just reach in and enjoy.
Freezing
This is a freezer-friendly wonder. Portion cooled stew into individual containers or freezer bags, making sure to leave some space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use your microwave’s defrost function for a quicker option.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave in 90-second bursts, stirring in between. If the stew has thickened, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat or chuck is traditional for the Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe, you can use brisket, round, or even short ribs—just make sure to trim and cut them into chunks. The key is to choose a cut with enough marbling so it stays tender and flavorful after long cooking.
Is it okay to skip searing the beef?
Searing adds wonderful depth of flavor and a rich, caramelized note. If you’re really pressed for time, you can skip this step, but your stew won’t have quite the same deep, complex taste. Whenever possible, don’t rush this delicious foundation step!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is super forgiving. Feel free to toss in parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips, or even mushrooms for extra earthiness. Just keep the veggie chunks big so they hold up to the long, slow cooking process.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap in a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, or skip the flour entirely—the stew will be slightly less thick but still delicious. And as always, double-check your Worcestershire sauce and broth, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I prepare everything the night before?
Yes! You can chop all your veggies and pre-mix the broth the evening before. Even the beef can be coated in flour in advance (store it separately if possible). In the morning, simply assemble everything in your slow cooker, turn it on, and head out to your day—you’ll come home to a piping-hot, irresistible dinner.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a bowl of old-fashioned, stick-to-your-ribs comfort, make the Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe your next slow cooker adventure. It’s hearty, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to warm any chilly day. Gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and get ready for the kind of family meal everyone looks forward to coming home to. Enjoy every cozy bite!
Print
Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Experience the comforting flavors of Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe, a hearty and wholesome dish perfect for chilly days. This slow-cooked stew features tender beef, an array of vegetables, and aromatic herbs for a flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy your family.
Ingredients
Beef Stew:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef stew meat (cut into 1½-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables:
- 4 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
Broth and Seasoning:
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
Additional:
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Coat Beef: Toss beef cubes in flour, salt, and pepper. Brown in batches in a skillet.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Transfer beef to slow cooker. Add vegetables.
- Mix Broth: Whisk beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs. Pour over beef and veggies.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or on high for 4–5 hours.
- Finish: Add peas in the last 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use red wine in place of 1 cup of beef broth.
- You can prep everything the night before and store in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
