This easy crock pot beef stew is a warm and filling dish that makes any day better. With chunks of tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and tasty seasonings, it’s comfort food in a bowl!
Honestly, my favorite part is how your home smells while it cooks. It’s like a cozy hug! 🍲 I love to make it in the morning and enjoy a hearty meal by dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Look for cuts like chuck or round, which become tender when slow-cooked. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cut stew meat from the store!
Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes are classic, but you could also add parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even frozen peas towards the end. They add a nice touch and color!
Beef Broth: For more taste, homemade beef broth is great, but store-bought works too! If you’re after a lighter option, chicken broth is a tasty substitute.
Tomato Paste: This adds depth and richness. If you don’t have it, use diced tomatoes or even a splash of barbecue sauce as a replacement. Just adjust seasonings accordingly!
What’s the Best Way to Get Tender Meat?
Getting the beef tender is key for a great stew. Start by browning the meat to lock in flavor. This step takes time but is so worth it for a deep taste!
- Coat the beef with flour, salt, and pepper before browning. It helps thicken the stew later and gets a nice crust!
- Use medium-high heat and work in batches if needed. That way, the meat gets a good sear instead of steaming.
- After that, slow cook everything for several hours. Low and slow is the secret to making the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Meals
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
- 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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy beef stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 7-8 hours of cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. It’s perfect for setting up in the morning and coming home to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the beef stew meat with flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated. Add a handful of beef cubes to the skillet and brown them on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crock pot and repeat with the remaining meat.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Transfer this mixture to the crock pot.
3. Combining the Ingredients:
To the crock pot, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir everything together to combine well.
4. Cooking the Stew:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender, and the vegetables cooked through. Check the seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
5. Serving Up:
Before serving, carefully remove the bay leaves. Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your warm and cozy beef stew with crusty bread or on its own!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Beef in This Recipe?
It’s best to thaw the beef before cooking for even browning and better flavor. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. If you’re really in a pinch, water works, but consider adding extra seasonings for depth.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if needed.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like peas, green beans, or even mushrooms. Just adjust cooking times as needed; some veggies like peas can be added in the last hour of cooking to retain a bit of crunch!
