BEST CROCK POT BEEF STEW

Imagine coming home on a chilly evening to the rich, savory aroma of tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables simmering in a flavorful broth. This Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe is the answer to those weeknight dinner dilemmas when you crave comfort food without the fuss, promising a hearty and satisfying meal that practically cooks itself.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1.5 – 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas

For the Broth:

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf

Step-by-Step Instructions

Browning the Beef (Don’t Skip This!)

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a beautiful crust and thickens the stew later on.
3. Brown the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will steam the beef instead of browning it. Trust me, this step is worth the extra few minutes – it adds SO much flavor! Set the browned beef aside.

Layering the Crock Pot

1. In the crock pot, place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. This creates a flavorful base for the stew.
2. Add the browned beef on top of the vegetables.
3. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the beef.
4. Add the cubed potatoes on top of the beef and garlic.

Creating the Delicious Broth

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
2. Pour the broth mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot. Make sure everything is mostly submerged.

Slow Cooking to Perfection

1. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and the vegetables cooked through.
2. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. This keeps them from getting mushy.
3. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Why This Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe is a Game Changer

Okay, friend, let’s be real. There are a TON of beef stew recipes out there. So, what makes this one special? It’s all about the layers of flavor and the slow cooking process. Browning the beef beforehand might seem like an extra step, but it creates a depth of flavor that you just can’t get any other way. And the red wine? It adds a richness and complexity that elevates this stew from ordinary to extraordinary. Plus, using Yukon gold potatoes means they hold their shape beautifully during the long cooking time – no mushy potatoes here!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Beef Stew

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

While you can technically use any cut of beef for stew, some work better than others. Look for chuck roast, round roast, or even brisket. These cuts have a good amount of marbling (fat), which will render down during the slow cooking process, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful beef. Don’t be afraid to ask your butcher for recommendations! This Wickedly Good Beef Stew also highlights the importance of selecting quality beef.

Getting the Most Flavor

Don’t skimp on the aromatics! The onion, carrots, celery, and garlic are the foundation of any good stew. Sautéing them briefly before adding them to the crock pot can enhance their flavor even further. And that bay leaf? It’s a subtle but essential ingredient that adds a depth of flavor that you’ll definitely miss if it’s not there.

Thickening the Stew (If Needed)

Sometimes, even with the flour on the beef, your stew might not be as thick as you’d like. No problem! There are a few easy ways to thicken it up. You can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the crock pot to release their starch and thicken the broth naturally. The best Fall Stew Recipes Crock Pot often include potatoes for this very reason.

Adding More Vegetables

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables! Mushrooms, parsnips, turnips, and sweet potatoes would all be delicious additions. Just keep in mind that some vegetables cook faster than others, so you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Making It Your Own: Variations and Additions

This Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe is a blank canvas! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the crock pot for a little heat.
• Herbaceous Delight: Experiment with different herbs, such as fresh parsley, oregano, or sage.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
• Hearty Additions: Throw in some pearl barley or lentils for added texture and nutrition. You can find similar hearty ingredients in Mexican Beef And Rice Soup.

What to Serve with Your Crock Pot Beef Stew

This hearty stew is a meal in itself, but it’s even better with a few simple sides:

• Crusty Bread: For soaking up all that delicious broth.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
• Mashed Potatoes: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve your stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
• Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits are always a welcome addition to any comfort food meal.

Can I Freeze Leftover Beef Stew?

Absolutely! Crock Pot Beef Stew freezes beautifully. Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Be sure to leave a little space at the top of the container, as the stew will expand when it freezes. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can create something similar with other recipes like Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup, which also freezes well.

The Slow Cooker Secret: Making Stew Meat Slow Cooker Friendly

The magic of a slow cooker lies in its ability to transform tough cuts of meat into tender, flavorful masterpieces. When it comes to stew meat, the slow cooker is your best friend. The long, slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissue, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy beef. Plus, the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and complex stew that’s bursting with flavor. You’ll find the results are similar to these slow cooker meals: Slow Cooker Stew and Savory Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak.

Beef Stew Recipes Slow Cooker: Your New Go-To

Once you’ve tried this Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe, you’ll understand why slow cooker beef stew recipes are so popular. They’re easy, convenient, and incredibly delicious. Plus, they’re perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. So, ditch the takeout and embrace the slow cooker – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Cozy

This Crock Pot Beef Stew is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the comforting aroma that fills your home on a cold day, the tender beef that melts in your mouth, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created something truly delicious with minimal effort. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your crock pot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Happy cooking!

Best Crock Pot Beef Stew

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort. Tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables simmer in a rich broth, creating a hearty and satisfying stew perfect for a chilly evening.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Crock-Pot (slow cooker)
• Large skillet
• Large bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 – 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine optional
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
• Brown the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Set the browned beef aside.
• In the crock pot, place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
• Add the browned beef on top of the vegetables.
• Sprinkle the minced garlic over the beef.
• Add the cubed potatoes on top of the beef and garlic.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
• Pour the broth mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot. Make sure everything is mostly submerged.
• Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and the vegetables cooked through.
• During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.
• Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

For a thicker stew, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the crock pot to release their starch. Leftover beef stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. Experiment with different herbs, such as fresh parsley, oregano, or sage. Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.