Beef stew is a fall and winter staple, no doubt about it! This freezer-friendly Whole30 slow cooker beef stew is a healthy comfort-style meal you can assemble then freezer for later. Tender beef and tons of flavorful vegetables – the perfect dinner for busy families.
I’ve had this recipe in my ‘vault’ for almost four years…Why, WHY has it taken me this long to share it?! I dunno – sometimes I question my decision-making abilities. I question if my brain even functions properly anymore.
The other day I went to Target with a full list of things I needed to purchase. Since becoming a mom, if I walk into a store without a list, I forget EVERYTHING I intended to buy. Seriously it’s so annoying. Like, my brain just stops and I stand there near the front doors, drawing a total blank. I probably look like a lost kid, trying to find a cashier to call my mom over the intercom.
“Attention shoppers, we have a mom who’s lost her mind. Paging a friendly worker to help her find her brain. Can someone please come to the front to supervise this woman and show her where the eggs, shampoo, and diapers are?”
Lists are my lifeline. So when I had the (rare) opportunity to shop without the kids last weekend, I grabbed my list and bolted out the door. Not only was I shopping for my essentials, I decided it was due time to wander every.single.aisle.
A few hours and a few hundred bucks later, I got home only to realize I forgot two things on the list. WHAT??! THEY WERE ON THE LIST! Kids’ shampoo and the other curtain panel I needed (because since losing my mind, I bought ONE panel for the bedroom window, not even realizing I needed two).
Annnnyway, I’ll chalk it up to another #mombrain moment, dust myself off, and remember what’s really important.
BEEF STEW.
This recipe is absolutely a repeated ‘tried and true’ meal. I make it all the time. Or I’ll arrange all the ingredients in a massive freezer bag and deliver it to my mommy friends with new babies to freeze for later. Oh and I eat it as leftovers on the regular. It’s everything.
Freezer-Friendly Whole30 Slow Cooker Beef Stew
I admit, there’s a bit of chopping and prepping, but trust me, the initial work is SO worth it. And often times I’ll throw it all in a sealable bag (cut veggies, spices, and raw meat) and stock it in my freezer. ‘Cause when I’m ready for some Whole30 slow cooker tomato beef stew, I simply thaw the bag and throw in my slow cooker…crockpot…? Same diff.
Packed with veggies and tender beef stew meat, this hearty and squeaky clean meal is the answer to all your ‘cozy dinner’ dreams.
Love slow cooker meals as much as I do? Check out these Whole30 slow cooker pork carnitas, this A1 inspired beef roast (Whole30), and these Whole30 Thai chicken wings.
PrintFreezer-Friendly Whole30 Slow Cooker Beef Stew

- Yield: 8-12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 3 cups diced onions
- 6 carrots, sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6oz) can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Chop all the vegetables and place in the bottom of a large slow cooker. Add the beef to top
- Combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, and salt. Pour over the stew mixture
- Add the bay leaves
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until beef is tender
- To freeze: Assemble all the ingredients (including raw beef) in a large freezer bag or container. Freeze. When ready to make, thaw all the ingredients and pour into a slow cooker for 6-8 hours. Or make beforehand and freeze any leftovers once fully cooled
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So ready for stew season! Love that you can prep this for the crockpot!
Stew season is EVERYTHING!
I am the exact same way. The strange thing? I don’t have any kids.
LOL!!!!!!!
Could I do this in my insta pot vs slow cooker? If so, how should I adapt the recipe?
Absolutely, although I don’t yet have an Instant Pot, so I’m not totally certain! Sorry!
Do you use whole driedrosemary or ground?
I use whole dried rosemary.
Hi, this look delicious! Can you define what constitutes “beef stew meat?” Also, is the meat already chopped when you add it to the slow cooker or do you slice it after? Thank you!
Yep, typically stew meat is already chopped and packaged at the grocery store. It will be cubed 😉
If you halved the recipe, would it still work? Would you adjust the cooking time? I don’t need 8-12 servings of stew hanging around #singlegal
Absolutely! I wouldn’t adjust the cooking time, it should work just fine as is.
Thank you for sharing this recipe. It was amazing! I served with some fried (in coconut oil) potatoes to extend it for my large family. I’ll be making it again soon. 🙂
★★★★★
Mmmmm that sounds fab! So glad it was a hit!
Cooked this yesterday then repurposed it today as a beef and veggie soup! Just added in some extra veggies, water and Jovial pasta! Soo yummy. Thanks for the great recipe!
★★★★★
Sounds so awesome! Thanks Megan!
That’s SOOOOO smart!!
Does this freeze just as well afternit has been cooked?
Yep absolutely!
Can I cook this in a crockpot on high? If so how long?
I suggest low and slow, but you could try it on high for 3-4 hours.
Just curious should I be adding a liquid? I haven’t made a beef stew without some form of broth before.
Nope! The canned diced tomatoes has enough liquid, no broth needed