Warm your soul with our crock pot beef stew, a classic comfort food that cooks itself. Perfect for cold nights, this stew will fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, ready to savor after a long day.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 lb potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp flour
Equipments
- Crock pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon
How to Make Delicious and Comforting Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start your crock pot beef stew by prepping your ingredients. Dice the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. Cube the potatoes, slice the carrots and celery, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Make sure all ingredients are roughly the same size for even cooking. These simple but essential steps set the foundation for a perfect beef stew.
Step 2: Searing the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the beef cubes with flour, then sear them in hot oil until browned on all sides. This step locks in the juices and enhances the flavor, providing a rich, savory base for your stew.
Step 3: Activating the Crockpot
Add the browned beef into your crock pot. Layer in the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Pour in the beef broth, add tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors blend harmoniously.
Step 4: Slow Cooking
Set your crock pot on low and let it cook for 7–8 hours, or on high for 4–5 hours. Slow cooking will tenderize the beef and allow the vegetables to absorb the rich flavors. During this time, relax, read a book, or go about your daily activities with the anticipation of a delicious meal.
Step 5: Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness before serving. Congratulations, your crock pot beef stew is ready to offer comfort and joy to your taste buds.
How to Serve Delicious and Comforting Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Serve your crock pot beef stew hot, in deep bowls perfect for holding the hearty ingredients. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread, and enjoy the warm, rich flavors as they meld together with each bite.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For an added depth of flavor, deglaze your skillet with red wine after browning the beef, pouring the liquid into the stew. Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a subtle sweetness. Personalize with your favorite herbs like bay leaves.
Powerhouse Protein: High Protein Version of Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Boost the protein content of this delicious beef stew by adding chunks of cooked lentils or chickpeas during the last hour of cooking. These legumes not only provide protein but also add a textural contrast to the tender beef.
Incorporate quinoa or barley to increase protein and fiber. These grains are great for absorption and will elevate the stew’s texture while maintaining its wholesome qualities.
Low Carb Love: A Healthier Twist on Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Stick to low carb living with this variation. Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets and carrots with bell peppers. This switch preserves the rich hearty texture of the stew while aligning with carb-conscious diets.
Consider reducing the amount of beef broth in favor of a concentrated beef stock for an extra depth that won’t tip the carb scales. Add chopped kale or spinach near the end to preserve nutrients.
Storage Instructions
To store leftover crock pot beef stew, allow it to cool then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, simmer on the stove until piping hot.
FAQs
- Can I add different vegetables? Yes, feel free to experiment with vegetables like parsnips or peas to suit your taste preference.
- Is pre-browning the beef necessary? While not essential, browning greatly enhances the flavor of the stew.
- Can I use a different cut of beef? Absolutely, try using brisket or short ribs for a unique flavor profile.
- Can I cook it on the stovetop? Yes, follow the same steps but use a heavy-bottomed pot and simmer on low.
- What can I do to thicken the stew? Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, stir into the stew and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
The Final Dish: Sharing the Crock Pot Beef Stew Joy
This crock pot beef stew offers warmth, nourishment, and satisfaction. It’s a dish worth celebrating, especially on chilly nights. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share and comment below with your variations! Let’s spread the joy of cooking.
Delicious and Comforting Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- beef broth
- potatoes
- carrots
- celery
- onion
- garlic
- tomato paste
- thyme
- rosemary
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- flour
Instructions
Steps
- Dice beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. Cube potatoes, slice carrots and celery, chop onion, and mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Coat beef cubes with flour, then sear until browned.
- Add beef to crock pot. Layer potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Pour in beef broth, add tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Set crock pot on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. Let it slow cook.
- Taste for seasonings and adjust if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.