This cozy Crockpot beef stew is like a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tender beef, bright carrots, and hearty potatoes that soak up all the tasty flavors.
You just throw everything in the Crockpot and let it do the magic! After a long day, there’s nothing better than coming home to this delicious aroma. Perfect for chilly nights! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Choose cuts like chuck or round for optimal tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, use sirloin; just remember, it may need less cooking time.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness. You can also use parsnips for a different flavor or even frozen carrot chunks if that’s what you have on hand.
Potatoes: Russets or Yukon Gold are ideal, but red potatoes work well too! Just chop them into large pieces so they hold up during cooking.
Red Wine: It enhances depth of flavor, but if you’re avoiding alcohol, just add more beef broth with a splash of vinegar for a bit of acidity.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary shine here. Fresh herbs are great too! If you have leftover fresh herbs, use 3 times the amount of dried for a vibrant taste.
How Do You Make Sure the Beef Is Tender?
The secret to tender beef in stew is low and slow cooking. By cooking gently over several hours, the beef collagen breaks down, making the meat fork-tender.
- Browning the beef first adds flavor, so don’t skip that step!
- Adjust crockpot settings based on your schedule—low for longer or high for a shorter time if needed.
- Don’t lift the lid too often while cooking; each peek lets heat escape and slows down the process.
What’s the Best Way to Thicken Your Beef Stew?
If you want a thicker stew, you can use a flour slurry or cornstarch. Here’s how:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
- Stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving.
- Let it cook uncovered for the last half hour to help it thicken up nicely.
Using these tips and techniques will ensure your Crockpot beef stew is both delicious and comforting. Enjoy every spoonful!
How to Make Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Flavorful Base:
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with extra beef broth)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Browning and Thickening:
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for browning beef)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting beef stew takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Cooking time in the Crockpot is 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, make sure you have plenty of time for the magic to happen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While that’s heating up, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the beef to the skillet in batches and brown all sides. This step adds a wonderful flavor to your stew. Once browned, transfer the beef to the Crockpot.
2. Prepare Vegetables:
Next, add the sliced carrots, cut potatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic into the Crockpot with the beef. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
3. Make the Stew Base:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if you’re using it), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This is the magic sauce for your stew!
4. Combine and Cook:
Pour the flavorful broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the Crockpot. Toss in the bay leaves. Cover and set your Crockpot to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is nice and tender.
5. Add Peas and Thicken:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. If you’d like your stew thicker, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew and allow it to cook for additional thickening.
6. Serve:
Once everything is cooked, carefully remove the bay leaves. Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the hearty stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like diced bell peppers, parsnips, or even butternut squash. Just cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking!
Can I Cook This on the Stovetop Instead of the Crockpot?
Yes! You can make this stew on the stovetop. Follow the same steps for browning the beef and adding the veggies. Then, add the broth mixture, bring it to a boil, and simmer on low for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
How Do I Store Leftover Beef Stew?
Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Leftover beef stew can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Ensure that your broth and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.