There’s nothing quite as comforting on a chilly day as a hearty, slow-cooked beef stew. The beauty of using a crock pot is that it requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor, allowing the beef to become tender and the vegetables to soak up all the rich, savory juices.
Adding frozen vegetables to your stew is a game-changer—they save prep time without sacrificing taste or nutrition, making this a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re a seasoned slow-cooker pro or trying your hand at crock pot cooking for the first time, this beef stew recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
It’s warm, filling, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make every spoonful a delight.
Using frozen vegetables in your beef stew isn’t just convenient; it also helps you enjoy a variety of colorful veggies year-round. Plus, this recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand.
So pull out your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy an easy, flavorful meal that will make your home smell like pure comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef stew crock pot recipe with frozen vegetables is incredibly convenient and perfect for anyone looking to save time without compromising on flavor. By using frozen vegetables, you skip the chopping and peeling, which cuts down prep time significantly.
The slow cooker method ensures that the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, absorbing all the delicious herbs and spices.
The recipe is versatile and forgiving, allowing you to swap in your favorite frozen veggies or add extra spices to suit your palate. It’s also a budget-friendly meal that stretches easily for leftovers, making it ideal for meal prepping or feeding a hungry family.
Best of all, it’s a one-pot wonder — minimal cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional, fresh for texture)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, adds richness)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Equipment
- Crock pot / Slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
- Large skillet for browning beef
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl for coating meat with flour
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: In a mixing bowl, toss the beef stew meat with the flour until evenly coated. This will help thicken the stew later.
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef in batches, browning all sides. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the stew.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Transfer to crock pot: Add the browned beef, onions, and garlic to the crock pot.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Add potatoes: If using fresh potatoes, add them now. Frozen vegetables will be added later to avoid overcooking.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
- Add frozen vegetables: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Cover and cook until vegetables are heated through but still vibrant, about 20-30 minutes.
- Final seasoning check: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot: Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
Pro tip: Browning the beef before adding it to the crock pot significantly enhances the stew’s flavor. Don’t skip this step!
If you want to make this stew even heartier, add a cup of cooked barley or pearl couscous during the last hour of cooking. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Feel free to swap the frozen mixed vegetables for any variety you prefer. Frozen mushrooms, bell peppers, or even chopped spinach can add unique flavors and nutrients.
If you want a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
For an extra boost of umami, stir in a tablespoon of soy sauce or miso paste just before serving. This will deepen the savory notes of the beef and broth.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350-400 kcal |
Protein | 35 g |
Carbohydrates | 25 g |
Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Sodium | 600 mg (varies with broth) |
Vitamin A | 60% DV |
Vitamin C | 25% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This beef stew is a meal in itself but pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve with warm crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the rich gravy.
For a lighter option, try pairing the stew with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans are also excellent complements that add texture and color to the plate.
Looking to make your meal extra special? Top the stew with fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast.
Conclusion
This beef stew crock pot recipe with frozen vegetables combines convenience with comfort, making it a perfect dish for busy days when you still want a wholesome, satisfying meal. The ease of using frozen veggies means less prep work, while the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting to transform simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful stew.
It’s adaptable, budget-friendly, and endlessly delicious — perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or batch cooking for leftovers.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the cozy warmth of homemade stew anytime you want without spending hours in the kitchen. For more tasty ideas, check out our Awesome Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals or explore A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for plant-based inspiration.
And if you love flavorful spice blends, don’t miss the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to add a kick to your cooking.
📖 Recipe Card: Beef Stew Crock Pot Recipe with Frozen Vegetables
Description: A hearty and easy beef stew made in the crock pot using frozen vegetables for convenience. Perfect for a comforting meal with minimal prep.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT8H
Total Time: PT8H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the beef stew meat on all sides, then transfer to crock pot.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add tomato paste and flour, cook for 1 minute, then stir in beef broth.
- Pour broth mixture over beef in crock pot.
- Add diced potatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or until beef is tender.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 25 g
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