Classic Crock Pot Beef Stew tastes like mom's. This stew is full of great flavor, with tender chunks of beef and lots of veggies. Total comfort food!
Gather together everything you will need before you begin. This will make the process so much easier! Have your meat cubed and veggies prepped.
You don't have to, but if you want extra flavor, brown the beef cubes in a little olive oil in a large skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
Add the meat to the slow cooker, then all of the ingredients except the vegetable juice and tapioca granules. Stir well.
Cover and cook on Low for 8-9 hours, or High for 5-6 hours, or until meat is tender and vegetables are also to desired tenderness. Stir halfway through (You will add the thickener about an hour before serving. See below).
Remove thyme stems and bay leaves, and stir. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
In a bowl or 4-cup measuring cup, stir together the vegetable juice and the tapioca granules. Then pour the mixture into the crockpot and stir. Cover and cook the remaining hour. If not thick enough, see Notes below.
Serve with some crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls!
If the stew isn't thick enough for you, try one of these options:
If too thick, add some beef broth and stir.