There’s something incredibly grounding about coming home to a stew that’s been simmering quietly all day. The kind of meal that smells like patience and promises a little rest, even on the busiest evenings. This beef and chicken crockpot stew fills your kitchen with cozy aromas — earthy herbs mingling with the faint sweetness of tomatoes and the heartiness of slow-cooked meat. I remember the first time I tried this combo. I was juggling too many things—half-listening to a podcast and trying to remember if I’d set a timer. Somewhere between stirring the pot and answering a text, the smell just pulled me back to the kitchen. The vegetables softened just right, and the meat? Tender enough to almost fall apart but still with a bit of bite. It’s the kind of stew that feels like a warm blanket, imperfect in its simplicity but exactly what you needed.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Combines two kinds of meat for a richer, layered flavor that’s not your usual stew.
- Hands-off cooking: set it and forget it, which sometimes means you might do a little stirring or checking when you remember.
- The vegetables soak up all those meaty, herby juices, making each bite satisfying.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just comfort.
- Perfect for those evenings when you want a filling dinner without the stress.
Even if you’re not a slow cooker pro, this stew is pretty forgiving. It’s a great way to use what you have, and you can always tweak the seasoning at the end if it feels like it needs a little more oomph.
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Beef and Chicken Crockpot Stew
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful crockpot stew combining tender beef and chicken with vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix flour with a few tablespoons of beef broth to create a smooth slurry.
Place carrots, potatoes, and onion in the bottom of the crockpot.
Add browned beef and chicken on top of the vegetables.
Add minced garlic, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot.
Pour remaining beef broth and water over all ingredients.
Stir in the flour slurry to help thicken the stew during cooking.
Cover crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours, or until beef and chicken are tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Stir the stew before serving and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Kitchen Notes:
I usually just use my standard slow cooker; nothing fancy needed. When serving, a crusty piece of bread or a simple green salad pairs nicely to balance the richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping in sweet potatoes or parsnips can add a subtle twist, though I can’t say I’ve tested all the variations extensively. Sometimes, I throw in a splash of red wine near the end for an extra depth of flavor, but it’s completely optional.
FAQ:
Can I use only beef or only chicken? Sure, you can, though the mix adds a unique flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it okay to freeze leftovers? Absolutely. Just thaw overnight before reheating gently.
Do I need to brown the meat first? It adds flavor, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it—just expect a slightly different texture.
When your day feels long and your appetite is calling for something hearty, this stew stands ready. Scroll back up, save it, and let the slow cooker do its magic—you’re in for a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.