This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is perfect for cozy dinners! It features tender beef, hearty potatoes, and colorful veggies, all simmered to perfection while you relax.
I love how I can just toss everything in the pot and let it do the work! The smell fills the house, and it feels like a warm hug on a chilly night. Who doesn’t love that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: I prefer chuck roast for tenderness. However, you could use sirloin or brisket if that’s what you have. Just remember, the tougher cuts really shine in long cooking!
Carrots: Fresh carrots give the best texture and flavor. If you don’t have fresh, frozen carrots can work too, but add them later in the cooking process.
Potatoes: I love using Yukon Gold for their buttery flavor. If you want a healthier option, feel free to use sweet potatoes instead!
Red Wine: This adds more depth to the stew. If you prefer not to use wine, simply replace it with more beef broth or even apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
Peas: Frozen peas are perfect for a pop of color and sweetness at the end. If you’re out of peas, green beans can be a nice substitute as well.
How Do I Get the Beef Perfectly Tender?
The key to tender beef stew is cooking it low and slow! Here’s how to make sure your beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender:
- Brown the beef well before adding it to the crock pot. This step adds a lot of flavor!
- Keep the heat low. Whether you’re cooking on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, low heat helps break down the meat fibers.
- Don’t rush the process—resist the urge to cook on high too soon! The longer cook time is worth it for the perfect texture.
With these tips, you’ll be serving up a hearty stew that warms the soul! Enjoy! 🍲
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup beef stock or water
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas (added in last 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious crock pot beef stew takes about 20 minutes of prep time and then gently cooks for either 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Just set it to cook and enjoy the delightful smells filling your home while it simmers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
In a large bowl, toss the beef stew meat with flour, salt, and pepper until it’s evenly coated. This will give your meat a great flavor and help thicken the stew later.
2. Brown the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning it on all sides for about 3-4 minutes. This step adds a lot of flavor, so don’t skip it! Once browned, transfer the beef to your crock pot.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and softened. Then, transfer them to the crock pot with the beef.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In the crock pot, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, beef broth, and beef stock (or water). If you’re using red wine, add it now too. Give everything a gentle stir to mix it up!
5. Let It Cook:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. It’s done when the beef is tender, and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Add the Peas:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the frozen peas. Cover and continue cooking until the peas are heated through.
7. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaves and taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, making sure it meets your flavor preference!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the beef stew hot! It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or over a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes for that ultimate comfort food experience.
Enjoy your delicious, cozy beef stew! 🍲
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Beef Stew Meat?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the meat completely in the refrigerator before cooking. If you’re short on time, you can also use the microwave to defrost, but avoid cooking it from frozen as it won’t brown properly.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just toss everything into the crock pot and turn it on—easy as that!
How Do I Thicken the Stew If It’s Too Thin?
If your stew comes out thinner than you’d like, you can create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, then stirring it into the stew. Let it cook for another 30 minutes on high until thickened.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Beef 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! To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
