The Ultimate Cozy Crock Pot Beef Stew (Trust Me, It’s Magic!)

Hey, have you ever just needed a hug in a bowl? Like, the kind of comfort food that makes you wanna curl up on the couch and binge-watch your favorite show? Yup, that’s what this beef stew is all about!

Main dish photo — *The finished dish — looks amazing, right?*

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients
Alright, picture this: you’re at the grocery store, and you’re like, “What do I need for this stew?” Here’s the deal—I usually grab two packages of dry onion soup mix (the secret flavor bomb, trust me), some paprika (because we need a little spice in life), and then 2 pounds of beef stew meat. But like, don’t stress over the cut, whatever works! Oh, and you gotta have those 5 medium potatoes (peel ‘em, dice ‘em), and 2 to 3 cups of baby carrots because they’re cute and sweet. A small yellow onion (chopped, obviously), and then the wild card—2 cans of cream of celery soup. Yup, you heard me right. And don’t forget the ketchup! (I know, weird, but it’s a game changer.)

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly
Okay, so here’s a little backstory—last winter, it was like a blizzard outside, and I was stuck inside with a fridge full of sad leftovers. I was like, “Ugh, what do I even eat?” So, I threw a bunch of stuff together in the crock pot. And OMG, I forgot I had a life-changing revelation—after eight hours of cooking, it was like a magical flavor explosion! My roommates were like, “What is this?!” and I was like, “Just the greatest stew ever.” Now, I make it all the time! It feels like a warm blanket on a cold day, and it just brings everyone together. Seriously, it’s become a tradition to make it when we have friends over—everyone’s always asking for seconds.

(Another beautiful shot because we can’t get enough!)

The One Trick That Changes Everything
Listen up—this is my secret sauce (not literally, but you get it)—it’s all in how you coat that meat. I put the dry onion soup mix and paprika in a plastic bag, toss in the meat, and shake it like a Polaroid! Seriously, this step is crucial. You want every piece of meat to be coated in that savory goodness. Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference in flavor!

Another beautiful angle of the dish — *Just as gorgeous from this angle too!*

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)
Okay, so here’s the deal—don’t rush it! I’ve totally messed this up by checking it too early (and then it just wasn’t tender, ugh). So, if the recipe says 7 to 8 hours on low, just set it and forget it. Also, stirring it halfway through can help, but don’t overdo it—let the magic happen! Oh, and if you find yourself with too much liquid, just take the lid off for the last hour. It thickens right up!

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)
So, if you manage to actually have leftovers (which is rare because everyone devours this), just pop it in an airtight container. It’ll be good in the fridge for like 3-4 days. And honestly? It tastes even better the next day! Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too
If you’re into this cozy vibe, you’ve gotta try my Chicken and Dumplings (it’s like a warm hug in soup form) or my famous Chili that’s perfect for game day. Oh, and don’t forget about my Loaded Baked Potato Casserole—seriously, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

So, what’s your go-to comfort food? Let’s swap recipes! I need more cozy meals in my life! 🥘💕

Crock Pot Beef Stew

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Crock Pot Beef Stew is a hearty, comfort food classic that brings together tender beef, nutritious potatoes, and sweet carrots for a satisfying meal. Slow-cooked to perfection, this stew is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Simply toss the ingredients in your crock pot and let it do the work while you enjoy the rich aroma filling your kitchen.

Author: XXXXX
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 480 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 packages (1 ounce each) dry onion soup mix
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 to 3 cups baby carrots
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cans (10 ounces each) cream of celery soup
1 cup ketchup (or substitute with tomato sauce)

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Instructions

In a large plastic bag, combine dry onion soup mix and paprika. Add the beef, seal the bag, and shake until coated.
Spread the coated meat evenly in a greased 7-quart crockpot. Layer the diced potatoes, carrots, and onion on top.
In a small bowl, mix cream of celery soup with ketchup. Pour this mixture over the meat and vegetables.
Cover the crock pot with a lid. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours until meat is tender and vegetables are cooked through. Stir before serving.