Crock Pot Beef Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace from the kitchen, perfect for cold days or when you need a comforting dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. This hearty stew, simmered slowly to perfection, combines tender beef with fresh vegetables, letting their flavors meld beautifully over hours of cooking. By using your crock pot, you can set it and forget it, all while looking forward to a delicious and hearty dinner that’s ready when you are.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Crock Pot Beef Stew stands out as a family favorite for several reasons. First, the simplicity of preparing this dish allows anyone, from beginners to experienced cooks, to create a masterpiece without feeling overwhelmed. You can throw in your ingredients, set your crock pot, and carry on with your day. Secondly, the rich flavors that develop from slow cooking are unparalleled. Each ingredient adds its unique taste to create a robust, savory stew that will leave you wanting seconds.
The best part? This dish is incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences or include seasonal veggies for a fresh twist. Finally, it’s a wholesome meal that can feed the whole family or be enjoyed as leftovers, making it a perfect solution for meal prep.
Ingredients About Crock Pot Beef Stew
To get started on your Crock Pot Beef Stew, gather the following ingredients:
- Beef Stew Meat: 2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Carrots: 4 medium, peeled and sliced
- Potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and diced
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Beef Broth: 2 cups
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/3 cup
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp
- Dried Thyme: 1 tsp
- Dried Rosemary: 1 tsp
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
- Fresh Parsley: chopped (for garnish)
With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create a dish that is both satisfying and sumptuous.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew Directions
Making Crock Pot Beef Stew is a straightforward process that yields incredible results. Follow these simple steps to create a delightful meal:
- Prepare the Beef: Start by placing your beef cubes in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the beef and toss it until each piece is well-coated. This flour not only helps in browning the beef but also contributes to a thicker stew later on. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Allow each batch to brown for about 5 minutes. The goal is a nice golden crust, which adds depth of flavor to your stew. Transfer the browned beef to your crock pot.
- Add the Vegetables: In the crock pot alongside the browned beef, toss in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. The vegetables will add flavor and texture, making the stew truly hearty and filling.
- Combine the Ingredients: Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the crock pot. Then, stir in the tomato paste followed by the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf. It’s crucial to mix everything well, ensuring that the flavors meld together as they cook.
- Set Your Crock Pot: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender while the flavors develop beautifully.
- Add Peas: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the frozen peas to the pot. They will cook quickly and add a nice pop of color and sweetness to the stew. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!
- Season and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve your Crock Pot Beef Stew piping hot in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will love.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Stew
Serving Crock Pot Beef Stew is all about creating a comforting experience. Ladle the steaming stew into bowls, ensuring each serving includes a mix of tender beef and an abundance of vegetables. Don’t forget the garnish! A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a burst of color to your dish but also brightens up the flavors with its fresh aroma.
You can serve this stew on a chilly evening alongside a loaf of warm, crusty bread — perfect for dipping into the rich broth. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables. This stew is filling on its own, but adding sides makes it even more satisfying.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Beef Stew
Creating the perfect Crock Pot Beef Stew is simple, but here are some expert tips to elevate your dish:
- Use Quality Beef: For the best flavor, choose good quality stew meat, which typically comes from the tougher cuts. This allows it to break down and become tender during the slow cooking process.
- Don’t Skip Browning: Although it may seem like an unnecessary step, browning the beef adds depth of flavor that can’t be achieved by just adding raw meat into the crock pot. This caramelization enhances the overall taste of the stew.
- Adjust Thickness: If you find your stew is too thick for your liking at the end of cooking, you can always stir in a little more beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. Root vegetables, bell peppers, or even green beans can work wonderfully in this dish!
- Plan for Leftovers: If you have leftovers, they make for a fantastic lunch or dinner the next day. The flavors often deepen and improve after sitting overnight!
How to Store Crock Pot Beef Stew
If you find yourself with leftover Crock Pot Beef Stew, storing it properly is key to enjoying it over the next few days. Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. It can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the stew. Make sure to pack it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion as it freezes. It’s best to consume frozen beef stew within 3 months for optimal flavor, though it can safely last longer.
Variation of Crock Pot Beef Stew
While the traditional recipe is delicious as it is, there are various ways to put a unique spin on your Crock Pot Beef Stew. Here are some variations to consider:
- Adding Wine: If you enjoy the flavor of wine, you can substitute a portion of the beef broth with red wine. This adds a delightful depth to the stew.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate a little heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix. This variation infuses a warm kick into your broth.
- Herb Variations: Utilize fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a bay leaf for added freshness. Herb blends can also introduce exciting new flavors to your dish.
- Sweetness: Enhance the flavor profile by including a tablespoon of brown sugar or balsamic vinegar, balancing the savory aspects of the stew with a hint of sweetness.
- Make it a Casserole: For a unique twist, consider turning your stew into a casserole by adding a topping of mashed potatoes or a layer of puff pastry before baking it in the oven until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crock Pot Beef Stew
What is the best cut of beef for stew?
The best cuts for stew are ones that benefit from slow cooking. Chuck roast or round cuts work well because they become tender and flavorful over long cooking times.
Can you cook this stew on high in the crock pot?
Yes, you can cook your Crock Pot Beef Stew on high for 4 to 5 hours. While low cooking is preferred for tenderness, the high setting is suitable for quicker meals.
Can I add more vegetables to my stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to include seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes! Crock Pot Beef Stew is an excellent meal prep option. It stores well in the refrigerator or can be frozen for later use, making it a convenient choice.
Is this stew gluten-free?
The standard recipe uses flour for the beef. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, toss the beef cubes with all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, about 5 minutes per batch, then transfer to the crock pot.
- Add sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the crock pot with the beef.
- Pour beef broth over the ingredients, then stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and the bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add frozen peas to the pot. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!