Crockpot Beef Stew
Hate reading? ME TOO! That’s why I’ve included some videos below.
I’m excited to share my favorite slow cooker beef stew recipe with you! It’s the best comfort food for cold days. Imagine tender meat and tasty vegetables cooking slowly while you do other things.
We all love a warm, homemade meal but don’t always have time to cook. That’s why this crockpot beef stew is perfect. It’s easy to make and always a hit.
Try this slow cooker beef stew and you’ll love it. The smell will make everyone want to eat. Let’s start cooking and make a delicious meal together!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy beef stew recipe will be your new favorite comfort food. It’s super easy to make, great for busy days. Just throw everything in your slow cooker and relax.
The slow cooker makes the stew super tasty. It turns tough beef into tender meat that’s so soft. The broth gets rich with red wine and Worcestershire sauce, making it incredibly flavorful.
This stew is full of healthy veggies like carrots, potatoes, and peas. It’s a whole meal in one pot, so you don’t need extra sides. You can also change it up to fit your taste.
Here’s why you’ll love this slow cooker meal:
- Effortless preparation
- Incredibly tender beef
- Nutrient-rich vegetables
- Rich, flavorful broth
- Customizable recipe
This crockpot beef stew is great for families or meal prep. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you want a big, warm meal.
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love sharing my favorite beef stew ingredients with fellow home cooks. The heart of this dish is 2.5 pounds of stew meat. If you can’t find pre-cut stew meat, chuck roast or bottom round work great too. For seasoning, I use a mix of black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt.
Root vegetables are key in this recipe. I use 5 medium carrots and 1 pound of baby Yukon gold potatoes. These add heartiness and absorb the rich flavors of the stew. For depth, I include diced yellow onions and minced garlic cloves.
The liquid base is a combination of beef broth and red wine. Don’t worry if you’re not a wine drinker – you can substitute grape juice mixed with a splash of red wine vinegar. To enhance the beefy flavor, I add beef bouillon cubes and Worcestershire sauce.
Here’s a quick list of additional ingredients:
- Flour for thickening
- Olive oil and butter for searing
- Tomato paste for richness
- Bay leaves and rosemary for aroma
- Frozen peas for a pop of color
With these beef stew ingredients, you’re ready to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Remember, cooking is all about making it your own, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste!
Instructions
Making beef stew in a slow cooker is easy. First, cut the meat into 1-inch cubes. Then, season them with pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Coat with flour for flavor and texture.
Next, sear the meat in batches. This makes sure each piece gets a nice crust. That adds flavor to the stew. After, put the meat in the slow cooker.
Then, sauté onions and garlic in the same pan. Add the browned bits to the slow cooker. Put in all the ingredients, except peas and cornstarch. Now, wait for the right cooking time.
- Low setting: 7.5 to 8 hours
- High setting: 3.5 to 4 hours
Add peas in the last 15 minutes of cooking. For a thicker stew, mix in a cornstarch slurry. Remove bay leaves and rosemary stem before serving.
For a smooth finish, add cold butter just before serving.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I have some awesome beef stew tips for you! First, sear the meat before putting it in the crockpot. This step adds lots of flavor. I like to use Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes. They stay good during long cooking times.
When working with beef, be gentle. This keeps it tender and juicy. For a smooth finish, add a bit of cold butter at the end. It makes a big difference in taste and feel.
Storing leftovers is simple. Cool the stew and put it in a sealed container in the fridge. It lasts up to 3 days. If you won’t eat it soon, freezing is a good choice. It keeps for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it’s too thick, add some broth. With these tips, you’ll enjoy your beef stew for a long time!
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.