This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is the perfect dish for chilly nights! With tender beef, hearty veggies, and a nice thick broth, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
I love tossing everything in the crock pot and letting it do all the work. Perfect for when you want to relax or binge-watch your favorite shows while dinner cooks itself! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast is a great choice for stew because it becomes very tender when cooked slowly. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with sirloin, but keep in mind it might not be as tender.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps to thicken the stew and gives it a nice texture. If you’re gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Cornstarch can also work well as a thickener!
Broth: Beef broth brings rich flavor to the stew. If you want a lighter taste, you could use chicken broth. For added depth, opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness.
Red Wine: Including red wine enhances the flavor, but it can be omitted. If you prefer, you can replace it with more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity.
Vegetables: Feel free to get creative! You can swap out carrots and potatoes for parsnips or sweet potatoes. Green beans or bell peppers also add great flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Beef Stew Meat is Tender?
The key to tender beef stew is cooking it low and slow. If you’re short on time, browning the meat in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot helps lock in flavor, but it’s not a must. Here’s how to ensure the meat is tender:
- First, season the beef with salt and pepper, then coat it with flour.
- Heat oil in a skillet and brown the beef for about 5 minutes. This adds a great crust, enhancing the flavor.
- Slow cook the beef on low for at least 7 hours. This allows the connective tissue to break down, making the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Check for tenderness before serving. If it’s not falling apart, give it a bit more time to cook.
By following these steps, you’ll have a hearty stew that warms your belly! Enjoy cooking!
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
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas (added last 30 minutes)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy beef stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then you let your crock pot work its magic for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a great way to set it and forget it while you enjoy your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until they’re well coated. This helps create a nice thick stew.
2. Brown the Beef (Optional):
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown it on all sides for about 5 minutes. This step adds wonderful flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it.
3. Load the Crock Pot:
Transfer the browned (or unbrowned) beef to your crock pot. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), garlic, onion, carrots, potatoes, celery, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine everything.
4. Cook the Stew:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender and the veggies are soft.
5. Add Peas and Finish:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the frozen peas. This keeps them bright and fresh. Continue cooking until heated through.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaves! Garnish your stew with freshly chopped parsley and serve it warm. This is amazing alongside crusty bread or even over a bed of mashed potatoes.
Enjoy this cozy, comforting crock pot beef stew that’s perfect for any dinner! 🥘🍽️
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Can I Use Frozen Beef in This Recipe?
It’s best to thaw your beef stew meat before using it for even cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for a quicker option. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven cooking times.
How Can I Make the Stew Thicker?
If you prefer a thicker stew, there are a couple of options! You can create a slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and adding it in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can use the flour-coated beef method and skip browning, allowing the flour to thicken as it cooks.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Beef Stew?
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze it in suitable containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool before freezing!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your stew with other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or even green beans. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so taste your stew as it cooks to ensure everything is tender and delicious!
