This Crockpot Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort dish! With tender pieces of beef, tasty carrots, and hearty potatoes, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it cooks all day without fuss!
Honestly, there’s nothing like coming home to the smell of this stew. I love to throw in some extra veggies just to sneak in some healthy goodness. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef stew meat: Chuck roast is a great choice here. It becomes tender as it cooks. You can also use brisket or round roast if that’s what you have on hand.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweet flavor. If you want a different twist, try parsnips for a slightly nutty taste. Frozen carrots are a good backup too!
Potatoes: I like using Yukon Gold for their creaminess. Red potatoes can work as well, just keep the skins on for added nutrients and texture.
Beef broth: Homemade broth is the best, but store-bought works just fine. If you want a lighter option, vegetable broth will also do. Consider using low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
Tomato paste: Tomato paste enhances richness. If you don’t have it, substitute with a bit of ketchup or pureed tomatoes, but adjust the sugar in the recipe if necessary.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Tender Meat in My Stew?
The secret to tender meat is the cooking time and heat! Slow cooking allows the beef to break down. Keep these tips in mind:
- Brown the beef on all sides first. This builds flavor.
- Cook on low if possible. It’s more forgiving and really helps soften the meat.
- Don’t rush the cooking! If you can, stick to the 7-8 hours on low for best results.
Following these steps will ensure your beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and full of flavor. Enjoy your stew!
Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef stew requires about 20 minutes of prep time and then cooks for either 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in the crockpot. That means you can set it and forget it while it slowly develops all that wonderful flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
To start, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s heating, season the beef cubes with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches. Brown the beef on all sides for a lovely caramelization, then transfer it to your crockpot. This adds a ton of flavor!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, using the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are fragrant and the onions turn translucent. This step will ensure that your stew is packed with flavorful goodness. Once done, add them to the crockpot as well.
3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
Now it’s time to add all the veggies! Toss in the carrots, potatoes, and beef broth. Then add the tomato paste, optional diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, and a bit more salt and pepper. Mix everything gently to combine well.
4. Cook the Stew:
Cover your crockpot and let it work its magic on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You want the beef to be super tender and the veggies to be perfectly cooked through. Feel free to sneak a taste during cooking—it’s hard to resist!
5. Thicken if Desired:
If you like a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, take 2 tbsp of flour and mix it with a small amount of water to form a slurry. Stir this into the stew and cook uncovered for the remaining time. This will give your stew a delightful, hearty consistency!
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaves. Give the stew a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little more salt or pepper can really enhance the flavors!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for that fresh pop of flavor. Enjoy your warm, hearty crockpot beef stew—perfect for chilly days or anytime you want comfort food!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Using frozen beef is possible, but it’s best to thaw it beforehand for even cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. If in a hurry, you can throw frozen cubes in the crockpot, but cooking time may need to be extended by an hour or so.
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stew up to a day in advance. Just cook it as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly!
How Do I Store Leftover Stew?
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it in individual portions. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Customize the Vegetables in This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like peas, green beans, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients. Just remember to cut them to a similar size so they cook evenly. Add any quick-cooking veggies closer to the end of the cooking time to prevent them from getting mushy!
