beef stew crock pot recipe vegetable juice Beef Stew Crock Pot Recipe With Vegetable Juice Flavor

Updated On: October 8, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a hearty beef stew, especially when it’s cooked low and slow in a crock pot. Using vegetable juice as a base adds a unique depth of flavor and a boost of nutrients, making this stew both delicious and wholesome.

Whether you’re coming in from a chilly day or simply craving a satisfying meal, this crock pot beef stew with vegetable juice is the perfect choice for any occasion. It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and results in tender, flavorful beef combined with vibrant vegetables in a rich, savory broth.

This recipe is ideal for busy home cooks who want to set it and forget it while still serving a meal that tastes like it took hours to make. Plus, the use of vegetable juice introduces a subtle sweetness and complexity that traditional broths can’t match.

Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of this soul-warming stew that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef stew crock pot recipe stands out because it combines rich, tender beef with the natural goodness of vegetables and the convenience of slow cooking. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

  • Easy Preparation: Simply add all ingredients to the crock pot and let it do the work.
  • Deep Flavor: Vegetable juice adds a natural sweetness and layered complexity.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with veggies and lean beef, it’s balanced and filling.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day.
  • Customizable: Easily swap or add vegetables based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups vegetable juice (such as V8 or homemade vegetable blend)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Equipment

  • Crock pot or slow cooker (6-quart capacity recommended)
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large skillet (optional, for browning beef)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. If you prefer a richer flavor and texture, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef cubes in batches until nicely seared on all sides. This step is optional but recommended.
  2. Combine ingredients: Place the browned beef (or raw if skipping browning) into the crock pot. Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, minced garlic, cubed potatoes, and mushrooms.
  3. Add seasoning and liquids: Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable juice, making sure the ingredients are mostly submerged.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  5. Thicken the stew (optional): About 30 minutes before serving, if you desire a thicker stew, mix the all-purpose flour with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew and cook uncovered for the remaining time to thicken.
  6. Final touch: Remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Stir well and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

“For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening. To add extra depth, splash a bit of red wine before slow cooking or sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley right before serving.”

  • Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or green beans instead of potatoes or mushrooms.
  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a gentle kick.
  • Slow cooker liner: Use a liner for easy cleanup.
  • Meal prep tips: This stew freezes well, so make a big batch and store leftovers in airtight containers.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 350 kcal
Protein 30 g
Fat 15 g
Carbohydrates 25 g
Fiber 5 g
Sodium 700 mg
Vitamin A 120% DV
Vitamin C 35% DV
Iron 25% DV

Serving Suggestions

This beef stew is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to make your meal complete:

  • Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
  • Pair with warm crusty bread or garlic rolls for dipping into the savory broth.
  • Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
  • For a low-carb option, serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Conclusion

This beef stew crock pot recipe using vegetable juice is a delicious, nutritious, and fuss-free way to enjoy a classic comfort food. The slow cooker does all the hard work, breaking down the beef to tender perfection and melding the savory flavors with the natural sweetness of vegetable juice.

It’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or cozy weekend dinners. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices, making it truly your own.

Not only does this stew warm your belly, but it also offers a well-rounded meal full of protein, fiber, and vitamins. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love exploring other hearty and healthy dishes such as Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals, or try spicing things up with a Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

For a plant-based alternative, check out our 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious for a satisfying and flavorful stew experience.

📖 Recipe Card: Beef Stew Crock Pot Recipe with Vegetable Juice

Description: A hearty and flavorful beef stew slow-cooked to perfection with vegetable juice for added depth. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT8H
Total Time: PT8H15M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup vegetable juice
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Place beef stew meat in the crock pot.
  2. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, and garlic.
  3. Pour in vegetable juice and beef broth.
  4. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
  6. If desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir in 30 minutes before serving to thicken.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 20 g

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Marta K

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