Ella Chef, an experienced home cook and busy mom, has found that the secret to preparing delicious, home-cooked meals without the hassle is through the magic of a crockpot. Over the years, Ella has created a collection of hearty, comforting crockpot recipes that anyone can make, even on the busiest of days. The beauty of crockpot cooking lies in its simplicity: just set it and forget it. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a lazy weekend, Ella Chef’s crockpot recipes ensure you can enjoy flavorful dishes with minimal effort.
Crockpot Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef stew meat in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the meat to the crockpot.
- Peel and chop the carrots, potatoes, and onion. Add them to the crockpot along with the garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the beef broth into the crockpot and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving. Enjoy your hearty beef stew!
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew
Making a hearty beef stew in the crockpot is incredibly simple and ideal for those busy days when you want a filling meal without much effort. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the beef stew meat in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer it to the crockpot. This step helps to lock in the flavors and gives the stew a rich base.
While the meat is browning, peel and chop the carrots, potatoes, and onion. Add these vegetables to the crockpot along with the garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. These vegetables will slowly cook and infuse the stew with their natural sweetness and flavor. Once the vegetables are in, pour 4 cups of beef broth over everything and give it a gentle stir.
Cover the crockpot and cook the stew on low for 8 hours. During this time, the beef will become tender, and the vegetables will soften, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. Once done, remove the bay leaves before serving.
This hearty stew is perfect served with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal. It’s a great option for dinner on a chilly evening, as it’s both filling and comforting.
Conclusion
Crockpot recipes are a lifesaver for busy days, and this hearty beef stew is no exception. With minimal prep time and a long cooking time that does all the work for you, you can come home to a rich, flavorful meal ready to serve. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal for the family or a dish that can be easily made ahead of time, this crockpot beef stew is the perfect option. Let the slow cooker do the hard work, and enjoy the delicious results!