There’s nothing quite like coming home to the irresistible aroma of a hearty stew simmering away in your crockpot. This Crockpot Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect balance of flavors with succulent beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with friends, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
Equipments
- Crockpot
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew – Step By Step
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the oil warms, season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crockpot.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef is browning, you can get started on prepping the veggies. Peel and slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, and chop the onion. Mince the garlic as well. Keeping your ingredients uniform in size ensures even cooking, so take your time with this step for a truly balanced stew.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet used for browning the beef, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the onions become translucent. Stir in the tomato paste, and flour to create a roux that will thicken the sauce slightly. Cook for 1-2 minutes and then transfer everything into the crockpot.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot
In the crockpot, add the browned beef, sautéed onions and garlic, carrots, potatoes, and pour in the beef broth. Season with thyme, rosemary, and a bit more salt and pepper. Stir to distribute the seasonings throughout the pot, then set the crockpot to low heat and let it cook for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Check for Tenderness
After about 6 hours, check the tenderness of the beef and vegetables. If the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft, your stew is ready to serve. If not, let it continue to cook, checking every 30 minutes.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Stew
Once your stew is ready, it’s time to serve it up piping hot. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the rich broth, or enjoy it solo for a wholesome meal. This stew also makes an excellent meal prep dish that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To achieve the best results, use a high-quality beef chuck roast that is well-marbled. Marbling is key for tender, juicy meat. You can also add additional vegetables such as peas or green beans during the last hour of cooking for more texture. If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few potatoes at the end of cooking to release natural starches and thicken the broth.
High Protein Power-Up: A Beef Stew That’s Packed!
When you’re looking to increase the protein content in your meal, this high-protein variation of beef stew is just what you need. By adding some protein-rich ingredients like beans or lentils, you can enjoy a heartier meal that not only satisfies your taste buds but also fuels your body. It’s a simple tweak, but one that takes this classic to the next level.
Consider swapping out regular beef broth for bone broth or add in some chickpeas and red kidney beans halfway through the cooking process. These ingredients will increase the protein content while adding layers of texture and flavor to the dish. This protein-packed version of Crockpot Beef Stew is perfect for anyone who wants a little extra strength in every bite!
Low Carb Delight: Enjoy Beef Stew Without Guilt!
If you’re counting carbs or just prefer a lighter meal, a low-carb version of this stew can easily be adapted. Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets and add zucchini or mushrooms for a variety of texture and flavors. This way, you still get the hearty essence of a classic stew without the added carbohydrates.
Using turnips or parsnips can also be a wonderful low-carb alternative to potatoes, offering a similar texture with fewer carbs. These simple substitutions ensure that you can enjoy the comforting dish of beef stew without compromising your low-carb goals.
Storage Instructions
Crockpot Beef Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. If you want to store it for a longer period, the stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of meat instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute beef with lamb, or even try it with venison for a unique twist.
- What are some good wine pairings with beef stew?
A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs wonderfully with beef stew.
- How can I thicken my stew if it is too thin?
You can thicken the stew by mashing a few pieces of potato directly into the stew or using a cornstarch slurry.
- Is crockpot beef stew gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure the broth and seasonings are gluten-free and substitute flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Share Your Thoughts on This Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew!
This savory Crockpot Beef Stew promises to become a favorite staple in your home with its robust flavors and comforting ingredients. I invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments. Did you make any personal tweaks? We’d love to hear! Also, don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family for some cozy cooking inspiration! 🍲
Crockpot Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck roast
- beef broth
- large carrots
- large potatoes
- large onion
- garlic
- tomato paste
- dried thyme
- dried rosemary
- olive oil
- flour
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Start by heating up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides and transfer to the crockpot.
- Peel and slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion and garlic, stir in tomato paste and flour. Transfer everything to the crockpot.
- Add the browned beef, sautéed onions, carrots, and potatoes to the crockpot. Pour in beef broth and season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Set the crockpot to low heat and let it cook for 6-8 hours. Check beef and vegetables for tenderness. Serve hot.