This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is perfect for those chilly nights! With tender beef, tasty veggies, and rich broth, it warms you right up. Just set it and forget it!
I love coming home to the smell of dinner already cooked! Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, so there’s less cleanup. It’s like magic, but tastier! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef stew meat: Use chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness. If you’re on a budget, you can use round steak or any beef that’s good for slow cooking.
Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes add heartiness. Feel free to include other veggies like parsnips or celery for added flavor. Frozen mixed veggies work too if you’re in a hurry!
Beef broth: Homemade broth is great if you have it, but store-bought works perfectly fine. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter meal.
Tomato paste: Adds depth to the stew. If you don’t have any, you can use tomato sauce or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a different flavor.
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary are classic, but you can mix in some Italian seasoning if you prefer. Fresh herbs can also brighten up the dish.
How Do I Ensure My Stew Meat is Tender?
To get melt-in-your-mouth beef, browning the meat is key! This step seals in juices and adds flavor. If you’re really short on time, you can skip this step, but it’s worth the extra five minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Coat the beef in seasoned flour and brown in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
- Transfer to the crock pot, then add in your veggies before pouring in the broth mixture.
Cooking on low heat for 7-8 hours will make your beef super tender. High heat is fine too but aim for that low and slow method when you can for the best results!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy beef stew takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks away while you relax! You can let it simmer on LOW for 7-8 hours or speed things up on HIGH for 4-5 hours. So, total time is around 8 hours for slow cooking or a little over 4 hours if you’re in a rush!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by patting the beef cubes dry with paper towels—this helps them brown better. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the beef in flour that’s been seasoned with salt and pepper. Brown the cubes in batches until all sides are nice and golden. This adds delicious flavor, but if you want to skip it for a simpler prep, that’s okay too!
2. Load the Crock Pot:
Now, transfer the browned beef into the crock pot. Then, add in the carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour all those colorful veggies right over the beef!
3. Mix the Liquids:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste until everything is nicely combined. Then, pour this tasty mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.
4. Season It Up:
Add in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, and any extra salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a little stir if you want, but it’s fine if everything just sits layered too!
5. Let It Cook:
Cover the crock pot and let it work its magic! Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and the vegetables are perfectly cooked.
6. Final Touches:
Once it’s done, carefully remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of brightness and flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your cozy beef stew hot! It pairs nicely with crusty bread for dipping or can be served over rice for a filling meal. Perfect for chilly nights!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave. Once thawed, pat it dry and follow the recipe as directed.
What Can I Substitute for the Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Just keep in mind that it will slightly change the taste of your stew.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it’s too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, swap the beef for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or jackfruit and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add lentils or beans for added protein!
