Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

why make this recipe

Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew is a warm and hearty dish that brings the family together. It is perfect for cold nights or busy days when you want an easy meal. This recipe allows the flavors to blend beautifully as it cooks slowly, making the beef tender and the vegetables delicious. Using a crockpot means you can simply set it up and forget about it until dinner time!

how to make Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides.
2. Transfer the beef to the crockpot.
3. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.
4. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender.
6. Serve warm.

how to serve Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

Serve the beef stew warm in bowls. You can add fresh bread or a side salad to make it a complete meal. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can also bring extra flavor and color.

how to store Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the stew for longer storage. In this case, make sure to let it cool before placing it in a freezer-safe container.

tips to make Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the beef broth.
• Try adding other vegetables like peas or green beans for variety.
• If you like a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with some cold water and add it during the last hour of cooking.

variation

You can replace beef chuck with other cuts of beef, such as stew meat or brisket. For a lighter option, consider using chicken instead. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just make sure to cook it for a bit longer to ensure it is fully cooked and tender.

Can I make this stew without meat?
Yes! You can make a delicious vegetable stew by replacing the beef with extra vegetables and vegetable broth.

What should I do if my stew is too salty?
If your stew is too salty, you can add a few diced potatoes to absorb some of the saltiness. Cook for an additional hour, then remove the potatoes before serving.

Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

This hearty crockpot beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in, featuring tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and a savory broth, all slow-cooked to perfection.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings 6 people

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Large Skillet
• Large Bowl

Ingredients

  

Beef Stew

• 2 lbs beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1.5 lbs potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb carrots peeled and sliced
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf

For Serving (Optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Transfer the browned beef to a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker.

Assembly

• Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
• Stir all ingredients gently to combine them well within the slow cooker.

Cooking

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
• Remove the bay leaf before serving to ensure it is not consumed.

Serving

• Ladle the hot beef stew into bowls, garnishing each serving with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
• Serve warm with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

For a thicker stew, you can create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This stew freezes well for up to 3 months; simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Adjust seasonings to taste before serving.