This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is perfect for cozy dinners! It’s packed with tender beef, hearty potatoes, and colorful veggies, all simmered together for a warm and tasty meal.
I love how I can toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the magic while I relax. Plus, the smell that fills the house is just fantastic—totally brings on the cozy vibes! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: You can use chuck roast for great flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for leaner meat, sirloin also works well but may require shorter cooking time. Don’t forget to cut it into chunks for even cooking!
Potatoes: I used russet potatoes for their creamy texture. However, you can substitute baby potatoes or Yukon Gold. Just keep the size similar to ensure even cooking!
Carrots: Fresh carrots are a must for sweetness, but you could use parsnips as an alternative. They’ll give the stew a different, nice flavor twist!
Beef Broth: Feel free to use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth could also work in a pinch while still offering good taste.
Frozen Peas: These are optional but add a bright pop of color. You can skip them or substitute with frozen corn if you prefer.
How Do I Ensure the Meat Is Tender and Flavorful?
To achieve beef that melts in your mouth, browning the meat is key. This step creates a nice crust and deep flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Brown the beef in batches; overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of browning.
- Make sure to get all sides browned, about 5-7 minutes per batch, then transfer to the crock pot.
This technique locks in flavors and makes your stew extra delicious. Don’t rush this process; it’s worth the wait!
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Stew?
Thickening the stew adds richness. I recommend using a flour slurry:
- Mix 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth mixture.
- Stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving to let it thicken while continuing to cook uncovered.
This simple trick makes your stew heartier without being lumpy. Enjoy your warm and cozy beef stew!
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 cubed
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef stew takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need 7-8 hours to cook on low, or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. The long cooking time makes the beef really tender and the flavors rich. Perfect for cozy dinners at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Browning adds amazing flavor to your stew! After browning, transfer the beef to your crock pot.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, pour this mixture into the crock pot with the beef.
3. Adding the Vegetables and Seasonings:
Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, sliced celery, and frozen peas (if using) to the crock pot. Then, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed!
4. Pouring in the Broth:
Carefully pour the beef broth into the crock pot over the mixture. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything together.
5. Cooking the Stew:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and let it cook. You can choose to cook it on low for about 7-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. The goal is for the beef and vegetables to be tender and yummy!
6. Thickening the Stew:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, mix your all-purpose flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew in the crock pot to thicken the broth. Cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to let it thicken nicely.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once the stew is done cooking, be sure to remove the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serving:
Serve the hot stew in bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bit of color and freshness. Enjoy your cozy, hearty crock pot beef stew with some warm bread or on its own!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Yes! While beef stew meat is recommended for its tenderness, you can also use chuck roast or even pork if you prefer. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly based on the type of meat used.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it seems a bit thick.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans. Just chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly with the other ingredients!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for thickening. This will still give you that delicious, hearty stew without the gluten!
