This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender beef, yummy veggies, and a rich broth, it’s perfect for cozy nights.
Making this stew is a breeze! Just toss everything in, let it cook, and soon the whole house smells amazing. Who needs a fancy restaurant when you can have this at home?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Use cuts like chuck roast, as they become tender with slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with brisket or round stew meat.
Vegetables: The classic mix includes carrots, potatoes, and onions. If you’re out of fresh potatoes, feel free to swap them with sweet potatoes or add parsnips for a different flavor.
Broth: Beef broth is essential for rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use chicken broth instead. For vegetarian options, vegetable broth works great, but adjust your seasonings accordingly!
Seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary really enhance the taste. If you don’t have those herbs, try Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence for a unique touch.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Stew Meat Is Tender?
The key to tender beef is the cooking time and temperature. By slow cooking, you allow the meat to break down, which makes it more tender. Follow these tips:
- Brown the beef before adding it to the crock pot; this enhances flavor.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Low and slow works best!
- Check the doneness 30 minutes before you think it’s done. Perfect tenderness comes from patience!
Feel free to experiment with your favorite add-ins or tweak the spices to fit your taste. Happy cooking!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas (added towards the end)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prep and a total of 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to cook. Perfect for a busy day when you want a warm, hearty meal waiting for you at dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by seasoning the beef cubes with salt and pepper. This adds flavor right from the start!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and brown all sides nicely. This step is essential as it locks in the juices for a flavorful stew. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crock pot.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to add your veggies! Toss in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic directly into the crock pot over the beef.
4. Pour in the Liquids:
Pour in your beef broth and water. Then, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, and add the bay leaves for that aromatic flavor.
5. Start Cooking:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and the veggies are cooked through.
6. Add The Peas:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas to warm them through.
7. (Optional) Thicken the Stew:
If you like a thicker stew, mix the all-purpose flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew, cover again, and let it cook for an extra 20-30 minutes.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooking is complete, remove the bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and serve the stew hot. It goes wonderfully with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes—perfect for cozy dinners!
Enjoy your comforting, easy crock pot beef stew!
FAQ about Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Can I Use Frozen Beef Stew Meat?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to thaw it before cooking for even texture and flavor. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, or seal it in a bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or parsnips. Just remember that some veggies, like zucchini, cook faster, so add them during the last hour of cooking to avoid mushiness.
How Do I Store Leftover Beef Stew?
Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What If I Don’t Have Worcestershire Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little vinegar for similar depth of flavor. Adjust to taste!
Feel free to ask if you have more questions about this cozy dish!
