Crock Pot Beef Stew
(French Onion Pot Roast–Style Stew)
A rich, slow-cooked beef stew inspired by classic French onion pot roast flavors. Tender beef, caramelized onions, and a deep savory broth make this perfect comfort food.
Ingredients
2 lbs (900 g) stew beef or cubed chuck roast
1 packet onion soup mix
3 cups beef broth
2 large onions, thinly sliced
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
3 large carrots, sliced
3–4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the beef lightly with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).
Transfer the beef to the crock pot.
Caramelize the Onions (Optional, Adds Big Flavor)
In the same skillet, add sliced onions.
Cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden brown.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Transfer everything to the crock pot.
Assemble the Stew
Add carrots and potatoes on top of the beef and onions.
Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over everything.
Pour in the beef broth.
Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours, or
HIGH for 4–5 hours,
until the beef is very tender and the vegetables are soft.
Thicken the Stew (Optional)
About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water.
Stir it into the crock pot, cover, and let the stew thicken.
Finish & Serve
Remove the bay leaf.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls
Spoon over mashed potatoes or rice
Garnish with fresh parsley for color
Tips
Chuck roast gives the best flavor and tenderness.
For extra richness, add ½ cup shredded cheese on top when serving (optional).
Leftovers taste even better the next day.
