10 Easy Crock Pot Stew Recipes You'll Love

There's something comforting about a stew simmering away in your Crock Pot while you go about your day. Whether you're gearing up for a busy week or simply want a warm, hearty meal without the fuss, these Crock Pot stew recipes are your go-to solutions. From traditional beef stews to vegetarian delights, here are ten recipes that promise deliciousness with minimal effort.

1. Classic Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss the beef pieces with flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a skillet and brown the beef.
3. Transfer the beef to the Crock Pot.
4. Add all remaining ingredients to the pot.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

2. Chicken Pot Pie Stew

Transform your love for pot pies into a stew that brings the same comfort.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped celery
• ¹⁄₃ cup butter, melted
• ¹⁄₃ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups milk
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 pie crusts (optional for topping)

Instructions:

1. Layer chicken and vegetables in the Crock Pot.
2. Mix butter, flour, and milk to create a roux.
3. Add the roux, broth, and thyme into the pot.
4. Cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken and potatoes are tender.
5. If using pie crust, serve the stew with pie crust pieces on top or under the stew.

3. Vegetarian Lentil Stew

This hearty lentil stew is rich in flavor and protein, perfect for a meatless meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cumin
• ¹⁄₄ tsp cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients into the Crock Pot.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.

4. Seafood Chowder

A creamy and delicious seafood chowder that can be easily made in your Crock Pot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, clams, etc.)
• 2 cups chicken or seafood stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 potatoes, diced
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped celery
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped carrots
• 1 tsp dried dill

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients except the seafood into the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 4 hours.
3. Add seafood and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes until the seafood is cooked.

5. Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Experience a burst of flavors with this aromatic and spiced chickpea stew.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ¹⁄₂ tsp turmeric
• ¹⁄₄ tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the Crock Pot.
2. Stir well to ensure spices are evenly distributed.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.

🍲 Note: Serve with couscous or flatbread for a complete meal.

Summary

The beauty of these Crock Pot stew recipes lies in their simplicity and the depth of flavors that develop over slow cooking. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these stews provide a comforting meal with little active time spent in the kitchen. Each recipe offers a unique taste experience, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With such a variety, you can rotate these dishes throughout your week, giving your palate a delightful journey while keeping your kitchen duties manageable.

Can I prepare these stews in advance?

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Yes, most of these stews can be prepared the night before or even in the morning, allowing the flavors to meld even better. Just remember to adjust cooking times if starting with cold ingredients.

What’s the best way to thicken a stew?

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If your stew isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can make a slurry with cornstarch or flour mixed with water and stir it in towards the end of cooking. Alternatively, removing the lid and letting it simmer for the last 30 minutes can also thicken the stew.

Are there any vegetarian options in the list?

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Yes, the Vegetarian Lentil Stew and Moroccan Chickpea Stew are both vegetarian-friendly and full of flavor. You can also adapt other recipes by substituting meat with vegetables or plant-based proteins.

How long can I store leftovers?

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Stew leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Always ensure to cool the stew completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain quality and safety.

Can I use a slow cooker other than a Crock Pot?

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Yes, any slow cooker can be used for these recipes. Cooking times might vary slightly, so follow your cooker’s instructions or adjust based on how fast your cooker typically cooks.