This Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is your go-to dish for a cozy, hearty meal! Packed with rich flavors, tender beef, and wholesome vegetables, this recipe is perfect for chilly nights when you crave something warm and comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 large carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 bay leaves
Equipments
- Crockpot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Cube the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes each bite tender and flavorful. Properly pat the beef cubes dry using a paper towel; this helps sear the meat nicely. Season the beef with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear until browned on all sides. This will lock in the juices and add a rich depth of flavor to the stew.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Transfer the seared beef to the crockpot. Add chopped carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic. Each vegetable layer should be evenly spread to retain their texture and flavors during slow cooking.
Step 4: Add the Liquid
In a small bowl, mix the beef broth and tomato paste until well combined. Pour this mixture over the layered beef and vegetables in the crockpot. The broth is essential to ensuring the stew remains moist and flavorful, penetrating every ingredient.
Step 5: Season the Stew
Add remaining seasonings: dried thyme, paprika, and bay leaves. Adjust the salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine. These herbs and spices round off the hearty flavors and give a comforting warmth to the stew.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 8 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. Slow cooking tenderizes the beef and melds the spices, making the stew incredibly savory and aromatic.
Step 7: Add the Peas
About 30 minutes before the stew is done, stir in the frozen peas. This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also a pop of color to your stew.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. You can pair it with crusty bread or over cooked rice to soak up the delicious gravy. Garnishing with fresh parsley will add a refreshing hint to balance the rich flavors.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Cut vegetables uniformly, ensuring they cook evenly. Searing the beef adds flavor, so don’t skip this step! For a thicker stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last hour of cooking.
High-Protein Version: Beef Up Your Stew!
Looking to increase the protein content of this comforting classic? Consider adding some legumes such as lentils or chickpeas. Not only do these ingredients boost the protein count, but they also add a slightly nutty flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
If you’re a mushroom fan, tossing in sliced cremini or button mushrooms can contribute to both the texture and protein goals, making your beef stew even more satisfying!
Low-Carb Delight: A Tweak on Stew
For those craving stew without the carb overload, swap out the potatoes with celery root or cauliflower florets. These substitutions maintain the hearty texture while keeping carb counts in check, perfect for keto enthusiasts!
Introduce more green vegetables such as kale or spinach during the last hour to enrich the stew with vitamins and a vibrant color, adding a healthful twist to this comfort dish.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot? Yes, simply use the saute function for searing and set to stew setting for pressure cooking.
What other vegetables can I add? Feel free to add parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes for variety.
How can I thicken the stew? Use a cornstarch slurry or mash some of the potatoes in the stew for a thicker consistency.
Can I add wine to the stew? Absolutely, a cup of red wine adds depth and richness to the flavor.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient and timesaving option.
Delight in Hearty Homestyle Flavors
This Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is simplicity and comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re cozying up for a snug family dinner or looking for a meal prep champion that pleases the crowd, this recipe delivers. Share this delightful recipe with fellow food lovers, leave a comment below to share your creative twists, and don’t forget to tag your homemade stew photos!
Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- beef broth
- large carrots
- potatoes
- large onion
- garlic
- tomato paste
- dried thyme
- paprika
- Salt and pepper
- olive oil
- frozen peas
- bay leaves
Instructions
Steps
- Cube the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces and sear in olive oil until browned.
- Layer the beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
- Mix beef broth with tomato paste and pour over ingredients in the crockpot.
- Add dried thyme, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper, then stir gently.
- Set to low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 4 hours to cook.
- Stir in frozen peas 30 minutes before stew is done.
- Serve hot, optionally with bread or rice, and garnish with fresh parsley.