This Crockpot Beef Stew is a cozy dish that warms you right up. With tender beef, colorful veggies, and rich broth, it’s perfect for chilly days and busy nights!
I love just tossing everything in the pot and coming back to a hearty meal. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy the smell of stew bubbling all day? It’s like a hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This is the best cut for stews due to its flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly. If you want a leaner option, you can use sirloin or round steak, but chuck is my favorite for its rich taste.
Carrots and Potatoes: Both add sweetness and heartiness to the stew. You can swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a unique twist, or try parsnips for a slightly nutty flavor.
Onion and Garlic: These ingredients build the base flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—about 1 teaspoon should do.
Beef Broth: It provides richness to the stew. Low-sodium broth is a great choice to control salt levels. Vegetable broth can also be used for a lighter flavor.
Herbs and Spices: Thyme and rosemary bring great aroma. If you have Italian seasoning, that can work too! Just use one teaspoon in place of both.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Tender Beef?
Getting the beef tender is key to a great stew. Start by seasoning and flouring the beef cubes. Browning them in batches in a skillet is important because it adds flavor and color.
- Pat the beef dry—this helps it brown better.
- Sear the beef on high heat for 3-4 minutes until browned, then transfer to the crockpot.
- This initial browning gives a depth of flavor that makes your stew amazing!
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for the best results.
Patience is key, so enjoy the delicious smell wafting from your kitchen as it cooks!
Crockpot Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting Crockpot Beef Stew requires about 30 minutes of prep time and then you simply let it cook! Total cooking time is around 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a hot meal waiting for you after a long day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by patting the beef cubes dry with some paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sprinkle the flour over it and toss to coat evenly. This will help thicken your stew later.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium-high. Once hot, add the beef in batches and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. This adds great flavor! Once browned, transfer the beef to the crockpot.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to add the chopped carrots, potatoes, and diced onion to the crockpot over the beef.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
Lower the heat on the skillet, then sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another minute to release its flavors.
5. Combine Everything:
Next, pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the skillet. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot. It’s going to be delicious!
6. Add Herbs and Spices:
Add the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the crockpot. Stir everything gently to combine.
7. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and the vegetables nicely cooked through. You can go about your day while it simmers!
8. Final Touches:
Once cooked, remove the bay leaves from the stew. Taste your delicious creation and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the stew hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy a comforting bowl of this rich, flavorful Crockpot Beef Stew, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Stew?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its flavor and tenderness, you can use cuts like sirloin or round steak. Just keep in mind that chuck is more forgiving when slow-cooked, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth dish.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn. Just keep in mind that they might cook faster, so add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave when ready to enjoy again!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Check that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free as well!
