Pioneer Woman’s Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Meals

Rich, hearty beef stew with the pioneer woman’s signature slow-cooker magic promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Chuck roast becomes incredibly tender when braised for hours in this robust recipe.

Some kitchen techniques guarantee deep, complex flavors that will make you swoon.

Perfectly seasoned meat melts effortlessly, creating a dish that feels both rustic and refined.

Chunky vegetables absorb savory broth, turning each spoonful into a delightful experience.

Minimal prep work means you can assemble this stew quickly before letting the crockpot work its magic.

A warm bowl beckons you to savor every delicious, soul-satisfying bite.

Tips For Rich And Tender Crockpot Beef Stew

• Boost Beef Tenderness: Coat beef cubes thoroughly in flour to create a protective layer that locks in moisture and helps meat stay incredibly tender during slow cooking.
• Wine Enhancement Trick: Add red wine for deeper, richer flavor profile that elevates the stew's overall taste without making it overly complex.
• Perfect Thickness Strategy: Use cornstarch slurry in the final cooking stage to achieve desired stew consistency without compromising the rich, hearty texture.
• Vegetable Preservation Method: Add frozen peas during the last 30 minutes to maintain their bright color, fresh taste, and prevent overcooking.
• Herb Infusion Technique: Crush dried thyme and rosemary between your fingers before adding to release maximum aromatic oils and intensify the herb's natural flavors.

Storing Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Just Right

• Refrigerate leftover beef stew in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring flavors continue to develop and meld together.
• When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Frozen beef stew maintains excellent quality for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, which helps preserve the tender meat and rich flavors.
• Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming stored stew and discard if you notice any unusual odors or appearance.

Perfect Pairings With Crockpot Beef Stew

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah complements the rich, hearty beef flavors, enhancing the stew's deep, savory profile with its tannic structure and dark fruit notes.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Rustic sourdough or a warm, crusty baguette becomes the perfect vessel for soaking up the stew's luxurious, flavor-packed broth, adding delightful texture and a satisfying carbohydrate element.
• Match with Creamy Horseradish Sour Cream: Whip together sour cream, freshly grated horseradish, and a pinch of salt to create a zesty, cool condiment that cuts through the stew's richness and provides a tangy, sharp contrast.
• Accompany with Crisp Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a bright vinaigrette helps balance the stew's heavy, warming qualities, adding a fresh, clean element to the meal.

Fun Variations For Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

• Mountain Rustic Remix: Swap beef cubes with venison or elk meat for a wild game version. Add mushrooms and replace red wine with dark beer for an earthy woodland flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate oregano, basil, and sundried tomatoes. Replace traditional potatoes with sweet potatoes and include kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired transformation.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Introduce green chiles, cumin, and chipotle powder. Substitute half the beef broth with tomato salsa and garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for a fiery Mexican-style stew.
• Winter Comfort Classic: Add butternut squash and pearl onions. Include a splash of maple syrup and sprinkle of nutmeg for a rich, warming winter variation that highlights seasonal comfort ingredients.

Questions Answered About Crockpot Beef Stew

• Why should I brown the beef before putting it in the crockpot?

Browning the beef creates a delicious caramelized exterior that adds deep, rich flavor to the stew. This quick step helps seal in the meat’s juices and develops a more complex taste that makes the entire dish more savory and appetizing.

• Can I skip the red wine in the recipe?

Absolutely! The red wine adds depth, but if you don’t have it or prefer not to use alcohol, simply replace it with additional beef broth. The stew will still taste fantastic and have all the robust flavors you’re looking for.

• What's the best type of beef to use for this stew?

Chuck roast or beef stew meat are perfect choices. These cuts have enough marbling and connective tissue to become wonderfully tender during the long, slow cooking process, creating melt-in-your-mouth meat that’s packed with flavor.

• How can I make this stew more hearty and filling?

Consider adding extra vegetables like parsnips or turnips, or increasing the amount of potatoes. You can also serve the stew over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth and make the meal even more satisfying.

Why Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Wins Every Time

• Slow Cooker Magic: Transform tough beef cuts into melt-in-your-mouth tender chunks with minimal effort, making this crockpot beef stew a game-changer for busy home cooks.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables or adjusting seasonings to suit your family's taste preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys a personalized meal.
• Weekend Warrior Friendly: Perfect for hands-off cooking during busy weekends, this stew requires simple prep and lets the crockpot do all the hard work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
• Meal Prep Champion: Delivers generous portions that taste even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead option for meal planning and quick weeknight dinners.

Everything That Builds Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

• Beef Chuck Roast: Classic cut with rich flavor, perfect for slow cooking and breaking down into tender pieces. Look for well-marbled meat with good fat content..

• Carrots, Potatoes, Celery, Onion: Hearty vegetables that add robust flavor and nutrition. Choose fresh, firm produce with vibrant colors. Potatoes help thicken the stew naturally..
• Frozen Peas: Bright green vegetable added near the end for color and sweet texture. Keeps its shape and freshness during final cooking stage..
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and warmth to the overall dish..

• Flour: Used for coating beef and helping to thicken the stew. All-purpose white flour works best..
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing meat and vegetable flavors. Freshly ground pepper recommended..
• Beef Broth: Foundational liquid that creates rich base and adds moisture. Low-sodium versions allow better flavor control..
• Red Wine: Optional ingredient that introduces complex, deep flavor. Dry red wines like Cabernet or Merlot work well..
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds depth and slight acidity..
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami and tangy undertone to the stew..
• Thyme, Rosemary: Dried herbs that contribute earthy, aromatic notes. Classic herbs for beef dishes..
• Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and warm color..
• Bay Leaf: Provides subtle background flavor, removed before serving..
• Olive Oil: Used for searing meat and adding light flavor..
• Corn.

How To Slow-Cook Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper

Warm olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring each piece develops a rich golden crust. This process takes about 3-4 minutes per batch. Move the seared beef pieces directly into the crockpot.

Step 2: Build the Stew Foundation

• Chopped carrots
• Diced potatoes
• Sliced celery
• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

• Beef broth
• Red wine (optional)
• Tomato paste
• Worcestershire sauce

• Fresh thyme
• Rosemary
• Smoked paprika
• Bay leaf

Cover and slow cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the beef becomes meltingly tender.

Step 3: Final Flavor Boost

Thirty minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas for a pop of color and freshness. Want a heartier texture? Whisk cornstarch with water and gently stir into the stew. Let it simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes until the liquid thickens. Before serving, fish out the bay leaf for a perfect dining experience.

Pioneer Womans Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman’s crockpot beef stew delivers comfort with robust flavors from tender meat and rich vegetables. Slow-cooked goodness brings warmth to your table, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this classic American comfort dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (900 grams) beef stew meat (chuck roast cut into cubes)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Vegetables:

• 4 carrots (cut into chunks)
• 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet, diced into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup frozen peas

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Crusty bread or biscuits (for dipping)

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Instructions

1. Dust beef cubes with seasoned flour, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with a delicate layer of seasoning that will help create a rich, golden exterior when seared.
2. Heat a skillet with olive oil until shimmering, then carefully place beef pieces in small batches, allowing each side to develop a deep caramel-brown crust that locks in robust flavors.
3. Transfer beautifully browned meat cubes to the crockpot, creating a hearty foundation for the upcoming slow-cooked feast.
4. Layer crisp carrots, tender potatoes, aromatic celery, sweet onions, and fragrant garlic atop the meat, creating a colorful vegetable landscape.
5. Pour in robust beef broth, optional red wine, concentrated tomato paste, umami-rich Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle earthy thyme, woodsy rosemary, smoky paprika, and a single bay leaf to infuse complex depth.
6. Secure the crockpot lid and allow the stew to simmer gently on low temperature for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, transforming raw ingredients into a melting, tender masterpiece.
7. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce bright green peas to the bubbling mixture, adding a fresh burst of color and sweetness.
8. For a more luxurious, velvety texture, whisk cornstarch with water and fold into the stew, allowing it to thicken during the final cooking moments.
9. Discard the bay leaf and ladle this comforting stew into warm bowls, ready to be savored.

Notes

• Ensure beef cubes are uniformly cut to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
• Pat beef dry before flouring to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in rich flavor and creates delicious caramelization.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap wheat flour with cornstarch or alternative gluten-free flour blend when coating beef cubes.
• Enhance depth of flavor by deglazing the skillet with a splash of broth after browning beef, scraping up delicious browned bits to incorporate into the stew.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg