This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is a cozy meal that cooks itself while you go about your day! It features tender beef, hearty potatoes, and colorful veggies bubbling in a tasty broth.
Honestly, there’s nothing like walking into a home filled with the lovely smell of stew. Plus, the best part? Just toss in the ingredients and let the crock pot do the magic! 🥕🥔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Look for chuck roast or round beef, as they become tender after long cooking. If you’re short on beef, try using beef tips or even turkey for a lighter version.
Carrots: Fresh carrots are best. You could use frozen ones if that’s what you have, although the texture may differ slightly. Celery could be a crunchy alternative too!
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work great here, providing a creamy texture. You can substitute with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile, or use any root vegetable like parsnips.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is fantastic, but store-bought works well too. If you’re looking for a lighter stew, vegetable broth can come in handy here.
Thickening: I like to use flour for thickening the stew, but cornstarch works great as a gluten-free option. Just dissolve it in water before adding, similar to the flour slurry.
How Do You Get Rich Flavor in Your Beef Stew?
Getting that rich flavor is all about layering ingredients and proper cooking techniques. Browning the meat first creates a beautiful crust that adds depth to the stew. For perfect browning:
- Heat your skillet well before adding the beef to sear nicely.
- Don’t crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
- Don’t skip the aromatic ingredients; garlic and onion bring out superb flavors.
Lastly, cooking it low and slow allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. If you have time, let it cook longer for even better flavor!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef stew takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and then cooks in the crock pot for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it until dinner time! It’s the perfect meal for a busy day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear them until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This step really boosts the flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip it!
2. Assemble the Ingredients:
Transfer the browned beef into your crock pot. Then, add sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic right on top of the beef. It creates a beautiful colorful layer.
3. Make the Broth Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the broth mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot. Make sure everything is nicely coated. Don’t forget to add in the bay leaves for that extra depth of flavor!
5. Cook the Stew:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and let it cook on low for about 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour with a splash of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew and turn the heat to high. Cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up nicely.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Once done, remove the bay leaves from the stew. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if necessary. Ladle the beef stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Your warm and comforting Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is ready to be savored. Perfect for family dinners or a meal prep for the week!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Beef Stew Meat?
Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave on the defrost setting. Just make sure to pat it dry before browning!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No worries! To make it gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch for thickening. Use gluten-free beef broth or simply check the labels while shopping to ensure all ingredients are safe!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Veggies like celery, bell peppers, or even green beans can be added. Just keep in mind that softer vegetables may cook down more, so adjust your cooking time if necessary.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up again.
