Crock Pot Beef Stew (French Onion Pot Roast-Style Stew)
Introduction
This Crock Pot Beef Stew is comfort food at its finest—rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful. Inspired by French onion pot roast, it combines tender beef, savory onion soup mix, and a blend of Worcestershire and soy sauce for a depth of flavor that feels gourmet yet effortless. Slow-cooked with potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms, this stew is the perfect cozy meal for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set it and forget it: The slow cooker does all the work.
Fall-apart tender beef: Cooked low and slow for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Flavor-packed broth: Onion soup mix + soy sauce + Worcestershire = umami magic.
Feeds a crowd: Generous portions, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
##Recipe Details
Yields: 6–8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–8 hours (depending on setting)
Total Time: ~8 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
2 lbs stew beef or cubed chuck roast
1 packet onion soup mix
3 cups beef broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
4 cups baby potatoes (or chopped potatoes)
3 cups carrots, sliced
1 cup mushrooms (optional but highly recommended)
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Beef
Place stew beef or cubed chuck roast directly into the crock pot.
Sprinkle onion soup mix evenly over the meat.
- Add Liquids
Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.
Stir gently to combine.
- Add Vegetables
Add potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms (if using).
Season with black pepper.
- Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Optional Thickening
For a gravy-like consistency, whisk cornstarch and water together to form a slurry.
Stir into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Serve
Ladle stew into bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Tips for Success
Use chuck roast: It has the perfect marbling for tender, flavorful stew.
Don’t skip soy sauce: Adds depth and balances the sweetness of carrots and onions.
Cut veggies evenly: Ensures they cook at the same rate.
Thicken to taste: Adjust cornstarch slurry depending on how saucy you want it.
Variations
Red wine boost: Add ½ cup red wine for extra richness.
Herb twist: Add thyme or rosemary for a fragrant finish.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free onion soup mix and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Extra veggies: Add parsnips, celery, or green beans for variety.
Serving Ideas
Pair with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread.
Serve over mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.
Add a side salad for freshness.
Perfect for meal prep—reheats beautifully.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Beef Stew (French Onion Pot Roast-Style Stew) is hearty, savory, and unforgettable. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.