This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is the perfect cozy meal! It features tender beef, hearty potatoes, and vibrant vegetables simmered together for hours. Yum!
I love how I can set it and forget it. Just chop the veggies, toss everything in, and let the slow cooker do its magic. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Look for chuck roast or brisket, as they become tender with slow cooking. If you want a leaner option, you can use sirloin instead, but it may be less flavorful.
Carrots & Potatoes: I love using Yukon Gold potatoes for their buttery flavor. Feel free to swap in sweet potatoes for a different twist! Parsnips or turnips are also great alternatives to add variety.
Onion & Garlic: Yellow onions bring a nice sweetness. If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder instead of fresh onions, but I recommend fresh for the best taste. Garlic powder could replace fresh garlic in a pinch.
Beef Broth: If you prefer a lighter flavor, swap half the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also use homemade broth if you have it! Just adjust salt to taste since homemade broth can vary in saltiness.
Tomato Paste: This adds depth to the stew. If you don’t have tomato paste, crushed tomatoes work too. Just reduce the broth a little since crushed tomatoes have more liquid.
How Do You Make Sure the Beef is Tender?
To make tender beef, it’s essential to cook it low and slow. Browning the meat first adds more flavor, but it’s optional if you’re short on time. The key is to keep it covered while cooking and resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as this releases heat. Stick to the cooking time for best results!
- After browning, combine all ingredients in the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Always check for tenderness—if the beef pulls apart easily with a fork, you’re good!
Following these tips will help ensure you have a delicious and cozy stew every time!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
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
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 7-8 hours to cook on low or 4-5 hours on high in the crock pot. Total, you’re looking at a cozy meal ready in time for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat (Optional):
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides for about 5 minutes. While this step adds extra flavor, you can skip it if you’re in a hurry!
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot. Next, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic directly into the pot.
3. Mix the Broth and Spices:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, water, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create the delicious sauce for your stew!
4. Pour and Cook:
Pour the broth mixture over the meat and vegetables in the crock pot. Give everything a little stir to mix it up. Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is nice and tender.
5. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour with a few tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mix into the crock pot and recover, cooking for the remaining time.
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaves. Garnish your flavorful stew with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy this comforting beef stew warm, paired with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. It’s a perfect meal on a chilly day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the cold water method (seal in a bag and submerge in cold water). Make sure to pat it dry before browning.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Just adjust the salt, as these alternatives can vary in saltiness compared to beef broth.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or beef broth if needed to loosen the stew.
Can I Freeze the Beef Stew?
Absolutely! Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave. Add a bit of liquid if the stew thickens too much during freezing.
