This easy crock pot beef stew is perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s filled with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and a tasty broth that warms you up!
I love how I can just toss everything into the crock pot and forget about it. A few hours later, my house smells amazing—who needs a restaurant when you have this? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This is the best cut for stews because it becomes tender during cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use sirloin or round steak, but they may be less tender.
Carrots: Fresh, hearty carrots give sweetness and texture. If you have baby carrots on hand, they work great too. You could also swap them for parsnips for a different flavor.
Potatoes: I love using Yukon Gold for their creaminess. Russets are also fine, but they can break down more in the stew. As a substitute, you could try sweet potatoes for a slightly different taste.
Red Wine: The wine adds depth. If you prefer not to use alcohol, replace it with extra beef broth or grape juice, adding a splash of vinegar to mimic acidity.
Spices: Thyme and rosemary compliment beef nicely. If you don’t have these, Italian seasoning can work as a substitute.
How Do I Get the Beef to Be Tender and Flavorful?
The key to super tender beef stew is in the browning and cooking method. Here’s what you can do:
- **Dry the Beef**: Patting the beef cubes dry helps them brown better. This step makes a big difference in flavor.
- **Sear the Meat**: Browning the beef in a skillet adds a rich flavor due to the Maillard reaction. Don’t skip this step!
- **Slow Cooking**: Letting the stew cook for several hours on low heat allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become super tender. Patience is key!
By following these tips, you’ll have a delicious and comforting beef stew that warms you from the inside out. Enjoy!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious beef stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll need to let it cook for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. Perfect for a busy day when you want a warm meal waiting for you at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef:
Start by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels—this helps them brown nicely. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper, then toss them in flour until they’re coated. This will help thicken your stew later.
2. Browning the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches (if necessary) and brown them on all sides for about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crock pot.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re softened, which should take about 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Then, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Combining Everything:
Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the crock pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients.
5. Cooking the Stew:
Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook on low for about 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Adding the Peas:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas if you’re using them. They’ll add a nice pop of color and sweetness!
7. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaves from the stew. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your delicious beef stew with some fresh chopped parsley for an extra touch. Serve it hot with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal!
Enjoy your comforting, easy crock pot beef stew!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to thaw the beef before using it in the recipe for even cooking and better flavor. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. You can also thicken the stew by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and adding it towards the end of cooking.
Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra legumes like lentils or chickpeas for protein!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely first!
