There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of beef stew, especially when it’s been simmering away in your crock pot all day! This Crock Pot Beef Stew is the perfect companion for those chilly evenings. Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food that requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 parsnips, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Equipments
- Crock Pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing spoon
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you begin to cook, it’s crucial to gather and prepare all your ingredients. Chop the beef into 1-inch cubes unless pre-cut, dice the potatoes, and slice your carrots and parsnips. Mince the garlic and chop the onion finely. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and seamless.
Step 2: Browning the Meat
Browning the beef before adding it to the crock pot deepens the flavor of your stew. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This step ensures a rich beefiness that elevates the entire dish.
Step 3: Assembling the Crock Pot
Layer the browned beef at the bottom of the crock pot, followed by the potatoes, carrots, parsnips, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crock pot to low and let it cook for 8 to 10 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high for 4 to 6 hours. The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables absorb all those delightful juices.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir in chopped fresh parsley to add a bright, herbal note. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting and fulfilling flavors of this hearty stew.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Stew
Serve your delicious crock pot beef stew in hearty bowls with a slice of crusty bread or over fluffy mashed potatoes. Add a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper or an additional dash of Worcestershire sauce if you like a bit more zest.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best results, use a quality beef cut such as chuck roast that has good marbling, which will render into tender chunks after hours of slow cooking. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash a few of the potatoes directly in the stew or add a slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end of the cooking time.
Protein Power: Beef Stew, the High-Protein Way!
If you’re looking to boost your protein intake, consider adding more lean beef or including other protein-rich ingredients like lentils or beans. Not only does this enhance the stew’s nutritional profile, but it also makes it even more satiating.
Low-Carb Delight: The Slimmed-down Stew Edition
For a low-carb version of this classic dish, swap out the potatoes and carrots for low-carb veggies like cauliflower and bell peppers. You won’t miss the carbs and still get the rich heartiness.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze portions of the stew for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy a quick and easy meal whenever you desire.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe with a pressure cooker? Yes, you can use a pressure cooker by adjusting the cooking time to about 35 minutes on high pressure.
- Is it okay to substitute chicken broth for beef broth? While beef broth gives more depth, chicken broth can be used if it’s what you have on hand.
- How can I thicken the stew? Mash some of the potatoes into the broth or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
- What’s a good side dish for beef stew? Crusty bread or garlic mashed potatoes complement the stew perfectly.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Swap beef for a medley of mushrooms and add vegetable broth for a delightful version.
Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Beef chuck
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Parsnips
- Garlic
- Onion
- Beef broth
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Bay leaves
- Dried thyme
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare all vegetables and meat as specified in the ingredients list.
- Heat a skillet and brown the beef cubes on all sides.
- Add browned beef and vegetables to the crock pot with all other ingredients.
- Cover and slow cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- Stir in parsley before serving and enjoy your hearty beef stew.