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hearty beef stew

Beef Stew (Crockpot or Instant Pot)

This hearty beef stew is the ultimate fall and winter comfort food—rich, cozy, and slow-simmered with tender beef and veggies for a warm, satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Serving Size 6

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into chunks
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil for Instant Pot sautéing
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 carrots sliced
  • 3–4 potatoes chopped
  • 2 celery stalks sliced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp water optional thickener

Instructions

  • Crockpot Method (Set It & Forget It)
  • Add all ingredients except cornstarch slurry to your slow cooker.
  • Stir gently to combine.
  • Cook on:
  • LOW for 7–8 hours
  • HIGH for 4–5 hours
  • If you want a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes.
  • Remove bay leaves and serve warm.
  • Instant Pot Method (Fast + Cozy)
  • Turn Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil and brown beef in batches (optional but adds flavor).
  • Add onion and garlic; sauté 1–2 minutes.
  • Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire.
  • Add remaining ingredients (except cornstarch slurry).
  • Seal lid and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
  • Natural release 10 minutes, then quick release.
  • If thickening, turn back to Sauté and stir in cornstarch slurry until thickened.
  • Remove bay leaves and serve.

Notes

Simple Upgrades (Optional but Cozy)
Add mushrooms for extra heartiness
Splash of red wine for richness
Toss in frozen peas at the end for color
Finish with fresh parsley or thyme