Cozy nights are made for warm, comforting meals that simmer all day long. And what better way to fill your kitchen with delicious aromas than by using a crock pot? With its slow-cooking magic, you can create hearty, flavorful stews that will become a staple in your household. In this article, we’ll dive into 18 mouthwatering crock pot stew meat recipes that are perfect for any night of the year.
From classic beef stews to international-inspired flavors and spicy kickers, our collection has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a comforting bowl of goodness or a flavorful meal to impress your guests, these slow-cooked masterpieces will not disappoint. So grab your crock pot, get cozy, and let the magic begin!
Classic Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes
A hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening, this classic beef stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, sweet carrots, and fluffy potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the chopped carrots and potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew
A hearty and comforting stew perfect for a chilly evening, infused with the rich flavor of Guinness stout.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the beef cubes, onion, garlic, Guinness stout, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. If using potatoes, add them to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Herb-Roasted Crock Pot Stew with Red Wine
A hearty and flavorful stew perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe combines the richness of red wine with the earthy flavors of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 1 cup red wine
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the crock pot to low.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to the crock pot.
3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, mushrooms, red wine, chicken broth, thyme, and rosemary to the crock pot.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Spicy Mexican Beef Stew with Corn and Peppers
This hearty stew combines tender beef, sweet corn, and crunchy peppers in a spicy tomato-based broth, perfect for a cozy night in. With a kick of heat from jalapeños and cumin, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1-2 jalapeños, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add the onions, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeños; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, corn kernels, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef to the pot and simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Savory Mushroom and Onion Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting meal anytime of the year. This recipe is a classic combination of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and herbs in a rich beef broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups beef broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Stir in thyme and paprika; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let stew for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Stew Meat with Herbed Dumplings
This classic comfort food dish combines tender stew meat with a rich garlic butter sauce and fluffy herbed dumplings, perfect for a cozy dinner or family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 cups water
– 2 cups all-purpose flour, for dumplings
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
3. Add stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the meat. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add beef broth and water. Bring to a boil, then transfer to the preheated oven. Simmer for 2-3 hours or until meat is tender.
6. For dumplings, combine flour and melted butter in a bowl. Beat in egg until smooth. Drop by spoonfuls onto the stew meat.
7. Return pot to oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours + 20-25 minutes for dumplings
BBQ Pulled Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes
This recipe combines the rich flavors of slow-cooked beef and sweet potatoes with a tangy BBQ twist. The result is a deliciously comforting stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. In a large Dutch oven, brown the beef on all sides over medium-high heat. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add ketchup, vinegar, and sugar to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Return beef to the pot and add sweet potatoes and beef broth. Cover and transfer to oven.
7. Cook for 2-1/2 hours or until beef is tender and falls apart easily. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Rich Tomato-Based Beef Stew with Peas
This rich tomato-based beef stew is a comforting twist on the classic recipe. The addition of peas adds natural sweetness and texture to this satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours or until the beef is tender.
6. Add the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Hearty Beef and Barley Stew
Warm up with this comforting stew that’s packed with tender beef, nutty barley, and a rich broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or a cold winter’s day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the barley, broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the beef is tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Stewed Beef
This hearty stew combines tender beef, rich garlic cream sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, brown the beef in batches over medium-high heat.
3. Remove the beef and set aside. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Return the beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Cover and transfer the pot to the preheated oven. Cook for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
8. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Moroccan-Inspired Spiced Stew with Chickpeas
This hearty stew combines the warm spices of Morocco with the comfort of chickpeas, making it a perfect dish for a cozy evening. With its rich flavors and tender texture, this stew is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Stir in chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cajun-Style Beef Stew with Okra and Rice
This hearty stew combines tender beef, okra’s creamy texture, and flavorful Cajun seasonings, served over a bed of fluffy rice. A classic Southern comfort food, perfect for a cold winter night.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup okra, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Brown the beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion, garlic, okra, and bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and browned beef.
6. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Simmer for 2 hours or until meat is tender.
8. Serve over cooked white rice.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours
Asian-Inspired Soy Ginger Beef Stew
This hearty stew combines tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a rich sauce infused with the bold flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a comforting meal on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
– 1 cup soy sauce
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef, cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a bowl whisk together soy sauce, broth, water, cornstarch, and sugar. Add to pot.
5. Return beef to pot and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Slow-Cooked Red Wine and Rosemary Stew
Slow-Cooked Red Wine and Rosemary Stew Recipe
Savor the rich flavors of this hearty stew, slow-cooked to perfection with tender chunks of beef, aromatic rosemary, and a depth of flavor from red wine. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes, then remove from pot.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened. Add red wine, broth, tomato paste, and rosemary. Stir to combine.
3. Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Fall-Apart Tender Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
This hearty stew is a perfect representation of the cozy comfort food that defines Fall. The slow-cooked beef and root vegetables meld together in a rich, flavorful broth that’s sure to warm your belly and your soul.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high. Brown the beef on all sides, then remove from pot.
3. Add onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and parsnip to the pot. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add browned beef back to the pot, along with beef broth, red wine (if using), and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover pot and transfer to preheated oven. Braise for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Sweet and Tangy Balsamic Beef Stew
This hearty stew combines tender beef with a rich balsamic glaze, perfect for a cozy night in. With its sweet and tangy flavors, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef chuck or brisket, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Cook for 2-1/2 hours or until the beef is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Lazy Day Veggie-Packed Beef Stew
This hearty stew is perfect for a relaxing day at home, packed with tender beef and an abundance of colorful vegetables. With minimal prep work and a slow-cooker, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper to the slow-cooker.
3. Add the browned beef, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the slow-cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (depending on your slow-cooker setting)
Smoky Chipotle Beef Stew with Black Beans
This hearty stew combines tender beef, smoky chipotle peppers, and creamy black beans in a rich and flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown beef cubes, then set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add chipotle peppers, cumin, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Add browned beef back into the pot and stir in black beans.
6. Simmer an additional 30 minutes or until beef is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours
Summary
Get cozy on a cold night with these 18 hearty crock pot stew meat recipes! From classic beef stews to international twists, there’s something for everyone. Try the Classic Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes, Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew, or Spicy Mexican Beef Stew with Corn and Peppers. These comforting slow-cooked meals are perfect for a relaxing evening in. So grab your crock pot and get cooking!