Name: Easy Pioneer Woman's Crockpot Beef Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 carrots, peeled and sliced; 4 Yukon gold potatoes, diced; 3 stalks celery, chopped; 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water

When the weather cools down and you want something hearty without hovering over the stove all day, this Easy Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew has your back. Tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked with rustic vegetables and rich broth, come together into a comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat.

The best part? This recipe takes only 15 minutes to prep and then simmers low and slow in your crockpot until everything is perfectly tender. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want to feed a hungry family with minimal fuss, this stew delivers big flavor with very little effort.

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

This beef stew is the ultimate cozy dinner. It combines homestyle ingredients like carrots, potatoes, onions, and a touch of tomato paste to build depth. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you spoon-tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables.

You’ll also love that it’s a one-pot meal. No extra pans, no complicated steps. Just throw it all in the crockpot and let it do the work while your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of comfort food done right.

What Cut of Beef Should I Use for Crockpot Stew?

Chuck roast is the best cut for this recipe. It has just the right amount of marbling to become fall-apart tender as it simmers. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin or round, which tend to dry out in the slow cooker. You can buy a whole chuck roast and cube it yourself, or grab pre-cut stew meat for convenience.

Ingredients for the Easy Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

This recipe keeps it simple but flavorful with pantry staples and classic stew veggies. Each ingredient serves a purpose in making this dish rich, savory, and satisfying.

Beef chuck roast: The heart of the stew. It turns melt-in-your-mouth tender with slow cooking.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and color to the stew.
Yukon gold potatoes: These hold their shape while becoming buttery soft.
Celery: Adds aromatic flavor and a subtle crunch.
Yellow onion: Provides a savory foundation.
Garlic: Just a few cloves bring depth and aroma.
Tomato paste: Adds richness and a touch of acidity.
Beef broth: Forms the flavorful base of the stew.
Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and complexity.
Dried thyme: Adds herbal notes that round out the flavor.
Bay leaf: Infuses a mild, earthy depth.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Cornstarch + water: Mixed into a slurry for thickening at the end.

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

Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional but Worth It)

For extra flavor, sear the beef cubes in a hot skillet until browned on all sides. This step caramelizes the meat and adds depth to the stew.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Add all the chopped vegetables, beef, and seasonings to your crockpot. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The beef should be tender and the vegetables fork-soft.

Step 4: Thicken the Stew

Mix the cornstarch and water into a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot. Cook for another 20 to 30 minutes until the broth thickens.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Discard the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle into bowls and serve warm.

How to Serve and Store Easy Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

This recipe feeds 6 to 8 people generously. It’s perfect for Sunday family dinners or as a make-ahead meal during the week. Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.

To store, transfer cooled stew to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What to Serve With Easy Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew?

Crusty Bread

Perfect for soaking up every drop of the savory broth.

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Serve the stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for double comfort.

Garlic Green Beans

Add something bright and crisp on the side for balance.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and soft, these are a Southern-style favorite.

Creamy Coleslaw

Its tangy crunch contrasts nicely with the rich stew.

Simple Garden Salad

Keep it light with a lemon vinaigrette and fresh greens.

Roasted Asparagus

Earthy and tender, roasted asparagus works well with beef.

Classic Caprese Salad

Especially refreshing in warmer seasons to lighten the meal【5†source】.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If you love this beef stew, check out these comforting favorites too:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for an easy one-pot meatless option.
No Peek Chicken Casserole when you’re craving baked creamy goodness.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole with all the flavor and none of the fuss.
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole for another cozy skillet-style dinner.
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni to bring bold flavor to pasta night.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s easy to find next time a chilly evening calls for a bowl of something hearty.

And if you try it, let me know in the comments how it turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Maybe a splash of red wine? I love hearing the twists others put on it.

Explore beautifully curated dinner inspiration and slow cooker gems on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite stew, soup, or skillet.

Conclusion

This Easy Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen hero without breaking a sweat. It captures the best of old-fashioned comfort food in a format that fits busy lives. Let your crockpot work its magic while you go about your day, and return to a dinner that warms you from the inside out.