7 Delicious Crock Pot Stew Recipes for Easy Dinners

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding time for cooking hearty, home-cooked meals can often feel like a luxury. Crock pots, or slow cookers, offer a convenient solution to this dilemma, allowing you to prepare delicious, nutrient-rich stews with minimal effort. Here's a dive into seven delicious crock pot stew recipes that not only simplify your evening meal prep but also promise to fill your home with the comforting aromas of slow-cooked goodness.

1. Classic Beef Stew

The classic beef stew is a timeless comfort dish. Here’s how to make it:

• 1.5 lbs stewing beef, cut into chunks
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for about 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.

🔔 Note: For a thicker stew, you can thicken the broth with a mixture of cornstarch and water after cooking.

2. Chicken and Wild Rice Stew

Another easy yet flavorsome option for your dinner rotation:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ¹⁄₂ tsp dried thyme

Place all ingredients into the crock pot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

3. Hearty Vegetarian Lentil Stew

Perfect for meatless Mondays or for those looking to include more plant-based meals into their diet:

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• ¹⁄₂ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.

4. Pork and Butternut Squash Stew

This stew features a sweet-savory combination:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed
• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and cubed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 7-9 hours or until the pork is tender and the squash is soft.

5. Seafood Chowder

Explore the depths of flavor with this seafood chowder:

• 1 lb assorted seafood (such as shrimp, scallops, and haddock)
• 1 can cream of potato soup
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups seafood stock
• ¹⁄₄ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Add ingredients to your slow cooker, keeping the seafood for the last hour of cooking. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then add the seafood and cook for an additional hour.

6. Moroccan Lamb Stew

Dive into the exotic flavors of North Africa with this warming stew:

• 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into pieces
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 large sweet potato, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Moroccan spice blend
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the lamb is tender.

7. Cowboy Beans Stew

A hearty, smoky stew that’s perfect for a weekend treat:

• 1 lb ground beef or sausage
• 2 cans pinto or kidney beans, drained
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 tbsp molasses or brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ¹⁄₂ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Brown the meat and add to the slow cooker with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

These seven Crock Pot stew recipes provide a variety of flavors and nutritional benefits, from the robust Classic Beef Stew to the exotic Moroccan Lamb Stew, ensuring that everyone can find something they'll love. These dishes are not just about ease; they're about creating comforting, home-cooked meals that bring people together, filling your home with the aroma of good food and memories. Whether you're feeding a family, entertaining friends, or simply looking for a cozy meal for yourself, these recipes offer a range of options to suit any palate. Each stew has its unique charm, promising to become a staple in your meal planning arsenal.

Can I prepare these stews ahead of time?

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Yes, many of these recipes can be prepped the night before, and some even a few days in advance. Just store all ingredients together in the fridge, then transfer to the slow cooker when ready to cook.

How do I thicken my stew if it’s too watery?

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You can thicken stew by mixing a small amount of cornstarch or flour with water to create a slurry, then slowly adding it to the stew while stirring. Another method is to mash some of the vegetables in the stew or simply remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.

Are these recipes freezer-friendly?

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Most certainly! After cooking, let the stew cool, then portion and freeze in airtight containers. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. Reheat on the stove or in a microwave until hot.