This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is all about tender, juicy beef and delicious veggies simmering together. Just throw everything in your slow cooker, and let it work its magic!
Honestly, nothing beats coming home to a warm bowl of this stew. I love how the smell fills the house. It’s like a cozy hug on a chilly day! 🥘
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: Using beef chuck is best for this stew because it’s tender and flavorful after slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with sirloin, but it may not be as tender.
Carrots: Fresh carrots are great, but you can swap them for parsnips if you want a different flavor. Even canned or frozen carrots can work in a pinch.
Potatoes: I love using russet potatoes for their creaminess, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes also do well. Just remember to cut them evenly for even cooking.
Red Wine: If you prefer to skip the wine, use additional beef broth or even grape juice for a hint of sweetness. It won’t have the same depth, but will still be tasty!
Flour: To thicken the stew, you could use cornstarch instead of flour, just mix it with water and add it toward the end as well.
What’s the Best Way to Brown Beef for Stew?
Browning beef is key to adding flavor to your stew. It might seem like an extra step, but it’s worth it! Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat oil in your skillet before adding the beef. It should shimmer when hot.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper for a boost of flavor.
- Brown in small batches to avoid steaming. This helps develop a nice crust.
- Brown the beef on all sides, about 4-5 minutes total, and don’t rush it!
Once browned, transfer it to your crock pot and add that delicious skillet mixture for even more flavor. Trust me, this makes a big difference!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Meat
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, or extra beef broth)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas (added near the end)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then anywhere from 3 to 8 hours depending on your slow cooker settings. If you cook on low, expect to wait 7-8 hours, and 3-4 hours on high. It’s a perfect lazy day meal that allows the flavors to develop beautifully while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and brown the meat for about 4-5 minutes on all sides. This adds a ton of flavor to your stew!
2. Transfer the Beef:
Once browned, carefully transfer the beef to your crock pot. Don’t worry if the pieces are not cooked through; they will finish cooking while slow cooking.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it’s fragrant and the onions turn translucent. Add the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, then pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour this savory mixture over the beef in the crock pot. It is going to smell great!
5. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
Add the carrots, diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, and season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Give everything a good stir to combine.
6. Let It Cook:
Cover the crock pot and let it cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through. You can do other activities in the meantime—let the slow cooker do its magic!
7. Stir in Peas:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the frozen peas. They will add a pop of color and sweetness!
8. Thicken the Stew:
To thicken the stew, mix the all-purpose flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew, cover, and let it cook for another 15-30 minutes until thickened to your liking.
9. Final Touch:
Remove the bay leaves from the pot, give it a taste, and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You might want to add a little more salt or pepper!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve your delicious beef stew hot, paired with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting family meal!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator or using the cold water method for even cooking. Browning it before adding to the crock pot is still recommended for best flavor.
Can I Prep This Stew the Night Before?
Absolutely! You can chop your vegetables and season your meat the night before. Store everything in the fridge separately. In the morning, combine them in the crock pot and set it to cook!
How Do I Store Leftover Stew?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing.
Can I Adjust the Thickness of the Stew?
Definitely! If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add more flour slurry in the last 30 minutes. For a thinner consistency, just reduce the amount of flour or add a little more beef broth until the desired thickness is reached.
