This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is perfect for cozy dinners. It’s filled with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth that warms you right up. Just toss everything in the pot and let it cook!
I love the smell that fills my kitchen as this stew bubbles away. Plus, it’s so easy! I can enjoy time with my family while dinner cooks itself. What’s better than that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Look for chuck beef or round beef, as they are perfect for stewing. If you’re pressed for time, you can use pre-cut stew meat available at your grocery store. For a leaner option, consider using sirloin, but it may not be as tender.
Carrots and Potatoes: Use any variety of potatoes, like Yukon Gold or Russet. If you prefer, substitute sweet potatoes for a sweeter taste. As for carrots, baby carrots work well too—just remember to cut them in half for better cooking.
Beef Broth: I love using homemade beef broth for a richer flavor, but store-bought works just fine. If you need a lighter option, try vegetable broth or even chicken broth for a different twist.
Tomato Paste: This adds depth to the stew, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with diced tomatoes or even a splash of red wine. Just adjust liquid levels slightly.
How Do I Get My Beef Stew Meat Tender?
Getting tender beef in your stew is all about cooking time and technique. Brown the meat properly to develop flavor, then let the slow cooker do its magic. Here’s how:
- Brown the stew meat in batches; avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps achieve a nice crust.
- Cook on low heat for a longer time. Allow 7-8 hours for the best tenderness.
- Let it rest once cooked. This helps retain the juices.
Trust me, patience pays off in flavor and tenderness! Enjoy your cozy dinner! 😊
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon 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
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy crock pot beef stew takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for a total of 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. With such a long cooking time, the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully, making your cozy dinner so worthwhile!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Take the beef cubes and toss them with flour until they are evenly coated. This step helps thicken the stew later and adds flavor.
2. Brown the Beef:
Cook the beef in batches in the hot oil, making sure all sides are browned. This process takes just a few minutes. Once browned, transfer the meat to your crock pot.
3. Add Vegetables:
Add your prepared carrots, potatoes, onion, and minced garlic directly into the crock pot with the browned beef. It’s starting to smell good already!
4. Mix the Broth:
In a separate bowl, mix the beef broth, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper together. Whisk until combined so all those gorgeous flavors get together nicely.
5. Combine All Ingredients:
Pour the broth mixture over the meat and vegetables in the crock pot. Remember to toss in those bay leaves. They’ll bring about a delightful aroma!
6. Cook:
Cover the crock pot and let it do its magic! Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the veggies are soft.
7. Add Peas:
About 30 minutes before you want to serve, throw in the frozen peas (if you’re using them) and give it a gentle stir. Let them heat through!
8. Final Touches:
When the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves, taste the stew, and adjust the seasoning if needed with salt and pepper.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to dig in! Serve your hearty beef stew hot with some crusty bread on the side or over a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes for a truly cozy dinner. Enjoy every bite! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Beef Stew Meat?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely before browning. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw it under cold running water in a sealed bag.
What Alternatives Can I Use for Vegetables?
Feel free to mix and match depending on what you have on hand! You can use parsnips, turnips, or even green beans instead of carrots or potatoes. Just chop everything into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stew up to the cooking step and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it on the stove before transferring it to the crock pot, or you can cook it right away if you prefer!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it appears too thick.
