Crockpot Creamy Beef Potato Stew – Hearty Slow Cooker Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Creamy Beef Potato Stew is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings, busy weekdays, and cozy family dinners. This hearty slow cooker recipe combines tender chunks of beef, soft potatoes, and vegetables in a rich, creamy broth that simmers all day until every bite is packed with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and makes your home smell incredible.

What makes this stew so special is its balance of simplicity and depth. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you can create a meal that tastes like it’s been carefully watched for hours. The slow cooker gently breaks down the beef, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the potatoes absorb the savory, creamy sauce.

This dish is perfect for families, meal prep, and anyone who loves classic comfort food. It’s filling, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re serving it with crusty bread, over rice, or on its own, Crockpot Creamy Beef Potato Stew is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 large potatoes, peeled and diced

3 carrots, sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups beef broth

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

2 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water (optional, thickener)

Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Preparation
Step 1:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes on all sides until browned. This step adds deep flavor to the stew.

Step 2:

Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot. Add diced potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic.

Step 3:

In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4:

Pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.

Step 5:

Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and potatoes are soft. Stir in cream and cornstarch slurry (if using) during the last 30 minutes.

Variations

Extra Creamy: Add cream cheese or sour cream at the end

Vegetable Boost: Add peas, celery, or green beans

Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower

Spicy Stew: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes

Herb-Infused: Add rosemary or bay leaves

Cooking Note

Always add cream during the final stage of cooking to prevent curdling. Slow cooking dairy for too long can affect texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls

Pair with buttered biscuits

Serve over rice or mashed potatoes

Enjoy with a side salad

Top with extra black pepper and parsley

Tips

Use chuck roast for best tenderness

Cut vegetables evenly for uniform cooking

Brown beef for richer flavor

Taste and adjust salt at the end

Let stew rest 10 minutes before serving

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

7–8 hours (LOW)

Total Time:

8 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 540

Protein: 36g

Sodium: 820mg

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for stew?
Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender when slow-cooked.

Can I skip browning the beef?
Yes, but browning adds extra depth of flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day.

Can I freeze this stew?
Yes. Freeze without cream for best texture, then add cream when reheating.

How do I thicken the stew?
Use cornstarch slurry or mash some potatoes into the broth.

Conclusion

Crockpot Creamy Beef Potato Stew is a rich, hearty, and comforting meal that brings classic home-cooked flavor to your table with minimal effort. Tender beef, soft potatoes, and a velvety broth combine into a dish that satisfies every craving for warmth and nourishment. Perfect for cold nights, busy schedules, and family gatherings, this stew proves that slow cooking is one of the best ways to create unforgettable meals.

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