This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is the perfect way to enjoy a warm and hearty meal without much fuss. Tender beef, colorful veggies, and tasty seasonings blend together in your slow cooker!
Honestly, this is a lifesaver for busy days. Just toss everything in and let it cook while you relax. I love the smell wafting through the house—instant cozy vibes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: I recommend using chuck roast for its tenderness and flavor. If you need a leaner option, try sirloin, but the stew might be less rich. Don’t go for ground beef; it won’t give you that hearty texture.
Carrots and Potatoes: Add as many carrots and potatoes as you like! Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes if you want a twist. For a low-carb option, try turnips or cauliflower instead.
Beef Broth: For a richer flavor, you can use homemade beef stock if you have it. Chicken broth works okay in a pinch, but the taste will be lighter. If you want to make it vegetarian, vegetable broth can be used, but the flavor changes significantly.
Tomato Paste: This ingredient adds depth to the stew. If you’re out, you can substitute it with canned crushed tomatoes, just use a little more since it’s less concentrated.
How Do I Brown the Beef Properly?
Browning the beef is key to developing flavor! Here’s a quick guide:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil, which helps achieve a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; brown the beef in batches if necessary. This keeps the heat up and ensures the meat caramelizes rather than steams.
- Let it sit on each side for a few minutes without moving it. This helps to get a good, brown crust.
Taking this step seriously makes your stew taste so much better!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Thickening (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy beef stew requires about 15 minutes for prep and can cook for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. It’s an easy set-and-forget meal, perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Meat:
First, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds great flavor to your stew! Once browned, transfer the meat to the crock pot.
2. Adding the Veggies:
Next, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the crock pot. Stir everything together to combine.
3. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Once mixed, pour this delicious mixture over the meat and vegetables in the crock pot.
4. Cooking Time:
Add the bay leaves, cover the crock pot, and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef and veggies are tender and flavorful.
5. Thickening the Stew (Optional):
If you like a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew, cover, and let it cook for the remaining time to thicken up.
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaves. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your hot, comforting beef stew and enjoy a cozy meal with family or friends. It’s perfect for chilly evenings!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick method of sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Cook time may need to be adjusted slightly if you start with frozen meat.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth works, but it will give a lighter flavor. For a richer taste, homemade beef stock is ideal. Vegetable broth is also an option if you want a vegetarian twist, though it will significantly change the flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftover Beef Stew?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if it appears too thick.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like peas, green beans, or mushrooms. Just remember that adding too many can change the cooking time slightly, so adjust as necessary. Root vegetables like turnips or parsnips also work great!
