This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is perfect for cozy dinners! With tender beef and tasty veggies simmered to perfection, it warms you right up on chilly nights.
I love how effortless it is to make! Just toss everything in the pot, set it, and let it do its magic. It’s like a big hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Use chuck roast for that perfect tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, sirloin works too but may need less cooking time. For a budget-friendly option, you can substitute with brisket.
Carrots & Potatoes: I love using a mix of both for texture and flavor. Sweet potatoes can be a tasty substitute for regular potatoes while parsnips can add a unique twist. Fresh veggies are best, but frozen carrots are also handy.
Tomato Paste: This adds depth to the stew. If you’re out, you can use canned diced tomatoes or even a splash of tomato sauce instead. For a tangy touch, consider a bit of balsamic vinegar or ketchup.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is great, but store-bought works perfectly. You can swap it with vegetable broth if you’re looking for a lighter stew. For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine!
How Do You Brown Meat Properly?
Browning the beef is crucial for adding flavor to your stew. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use medium-high heat and make sure the skillet is hot.
- Work in batches so the beef doesn’t overcrowd the pan; this prevents steaming.
- Brown for about 3–4 minutes per side until a nice crust forms.
- Transfer the beef quickly to the slow cooker to keep the juices intact.
Taking this extra step enhances the overall flavor of your stew. Trust me, it’s worth it! Enjoy your cozy meal!
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
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup 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 vegetable oil
- 1 cup frozen peas (added near end of cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty beef stew takes about 20 minutes to prep and then you can let it cook on its own for 7–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high in the crock pot. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by placing the beef cubes in a large bowl. Sprinkle with flour, salt, and pepper, and toss them around until each piece is well-coated. This will help thicken your stew later!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meat for about 3–4 minutes on each side until all sides are seared. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
3. Add Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to add your vegetables! Toss in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker with the seared beef. They’ll soak up all that delicious flavor!
4. Mix the Broth:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. This will be your flavorful base. Once mixed, pour it over the beef and veggies, and toss in the bay leaves.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to 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 cooked through. How simple is that?
6. Add Peas and Seasoning:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the frozen peas. They add a pop of color and sweetness! Don’t forget to pull out the bay leaves before serving. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve your hearty stew hot, paired with some crusty bread or over fluffy mashed potatoes for a truly cozy dinner experience.
Enjoy your delicious homemade beef stew! 🍲❤️
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best method is to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven cooking times.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, or chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand. You can also add a splash of red wine to enhance the taste!
How to Store Leftover Beef Stew?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze it for later enjoyment; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other hearty vegetables like parsnips, celery, or bell peppers. Just keep in mind that some vegetables may cook faster than others, so you might want to add them later in the cooking process.
