Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Tender, Hearty Meals

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast is my favorite because it becomes so tender when cooked low and slow. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using sirloin, but it won’t be as tender.

Carrots and Potatoes: These are classic choices for stew. If you want to mix it up, try adding parsnips or sweet potatoes for a twist. Frozen vegetables work in a pinch, too!

Red Wine: The red wine enhances flavor but is optional. You can use an additional cup of beef broth or even apple juice for a slightly different taste.

Herbs: Thyme and rosemary bring out the best in this dish. For convenience, you can use Italian seasoning if you don’t have those on hand.

Diced Tomatoes: I like using the undrained can as it adds more flavor to the stew. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, about 2-3 medium diced ones work well, too!

How Do I Make Sure My Beef Is Tender?

To get that perfectly tender beef, it’s essential to brown it first. This step creates a rich flavor layer. Don’t rush it! Make sure your skillet is hot enough to sear the meat without steaming it.

• Pat the beef dry and coat with flour before browning. This helps with browning and thickening later.
• Brown in small batches. Overcrowding the pan can cause it to cook unevenly.
• Let the crock pot do the rest. Cook on low for at least 7 hours for tender beef.

Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Tender, Hearty 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 red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious beef stew takes about 15 minutes to prep. After that, you’ll let your Crock Pot work its magic for about 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day when you want a home-cooked meal waiting for you!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

Begin by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them brown nicely! Toss the cubes in flour until they are evenly coated. This not only adds flavor but also thickens the stew later.

2. Brown the Beef:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are well-seared. This step is crucial for enhancing the stew’s flavor. Once browned, transfer the beef to the Crock Pot.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

Using the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This will add a beautiful taste to your stew. Add this mixture to the Crock Pot with the beef.

4. Combine Ingredients:

Now, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to the Crock Pot. Stir everything gently to combine so that all the flavors meld together.

5. Cook the Stew:

Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You will know it’s ready when the beef is tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked.

6. Final Touches:

Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaves from the stew. They’ve done their job and are not meant to be eaten!

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot, ideally with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy your hearty, tender beef stew!

FAQ About Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew

Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?

Yes, you can, but it’s best to thaw the beef before browning. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Browning the meat will enhance the flavor, so if you’re short on time, it’s worth the wait!

How Can I Thicken the Stew If It Is Too Thin?

If you find your stew is too thin after cooking, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering stew for a few minutes until thickened. Alternatively, you can also blend in some mashed potatoes for a thicker texture.

What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?

Feel free to get creative! You can add vegetables like peas, corn, celery, or even green beans. Just remember that starchy vegetables like potatoes and carrots work best for this slow-cooked stew. Adjust cooking times for quicker-cooking veggies by adding them midway through cooking.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

After the stew has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, use freezer-safe containers; it will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove until warmed through.