Easy Beef Stew Crock Pot Recipe | Hearty Comfort Food
When it gets colder and the days get shorter, a warm bowl of beef stew is perfect. This easy recipe is great for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It only takes 20 minutes to prepare, and the slow cooker does the rest.
It makes tender beef, hearty veggies, and a rich broth. Your kitchen will smell amazing, like a classic braised beef dish.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Chuck roasts are the recommended beef option for stew, as the connective tissue makes the meat more tender and it’s a more cost-effective cut.
- Yukon Gold and Red Potatoes hold up better in stews compared to russet potatoes, which tend to fall apart.
- Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the color, flavor, and texture of the stew.
- The recipe offers versatile substitutes for the red wine, including beef broth, red grape juice, or Guinness for an Irish twist.
- Adding cold butter at the end of cooking results in a smooth and velvety finish to the stew.
Introduction
Beef stew is a comfort food loved by many for generations. This crock pot beef stew recipe brings all the flavors of a traditional stew. It’s made easy with a slow cooker, tenderizing the beef and blending the flavors.
The slow cooker beef stew recipe has a high rating of 4.94 from 730 votes. It serves 8 people and needs only 30 minutes of prep. Then, it cooks for 4 hours in the crock pot, perfect for busy days.
Each serving of this classic beef stew recipe has 361 calories. It also has 23g of carbs, 27g of protein, and 19g of fat. Plus, it’s rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, making it a nutritious meal.
“Crock pot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food – it’s hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make. The long, slow cooking process transforms the ingredients into a rich, stew that’s perfect for chilly days.”
If you’re after a wholesome family dinner or a cozy meal for a cold night, try this crock pot beef stew recipe. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients for a Delicious Beef Stew Crock Pot Recipe
To make a tasty and comforting beef stew in your crock pot, you need the right beef stew ingredients. The secret to this crock pot beef stew ingredients recipe is mixing savory, tender beef with fresh veggies and a rich broth.
The heart of this dish is the essential beef stew ingredients: stew meat, beef broth, carrots, potatoes, and onions. These classic items create a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
To add more flavor, the recipe includes Worcestershire sauce for its umami taste. It also uses garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper for extra taste.
For a smooth texture, the stew gets thickened with all-purpose flour. This makes the stew feel luxurious in your mouth.
“The key to a truly delicious beef stew is finding the perfect balance of tender meat, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth.”
With these beef stew ingredients, you can make a delicious crock pot beef stew. It will warm your heart and fill your belly with hearty, comforting food.
Preparing the Beef Stew Crock Pot
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a tasty how to make beef stew in crock pot is simple. Begin by seasoning the crock pot beef stew recipe meat with salt, pepper, and spices. Then, coat the meat in flour for a brown crust when seared.
Next, sear the meat in batches in a hot skillet. This step adds flavor to the easy beef stew in slow cooker. Brown the meat, then sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet. Use wine or broth to get all the browned bits.
Put the seared meat and sautéed veggies in your slow cooker. Add potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and beef broth. Cover and cook on low for 8-12 hours, or high for 4-6 hours. Wait until the beef is tender.
| Nutrition Facts | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 415 kcal |
| Servings | 8 |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 4 hours 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 4 hours 30 minutes |
Follow these steps for a hearty crock pot beef stew recipe. It’s great for family dinners or cozy weeknights. Enjoy!
beef stew crock pot
When it gets cold, nothing beats a warm, flavorful beef stew in the slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for a cozy meal that everyone will love. The slow cooker turns cheap stew meat into tender, juicy bites.
The secret to a great crock pot beef stew is the right mix of ingredients. It uses 1-1/2 lbs of stew meat for a big, filling meal. The stew is flavored with 32 oz of gluten-free beef broth and seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
But what really makes this slow cooker beef stew stand out are the fresh veggies. It includes 8 oz of mushrooms, 2 carrots, 2 ribs of celery, and a big potato. These add nutrients and make the stew hearty and textured.
Cooking the stew on low for 6-8 hours lets the flavors blend and the meat get tender. It’s a comforting dish for a cold night. This beef stew in crock pot is not only tasty but also healthy for your family.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Stew Meat | 1-1/2 lbs |
| Mushrooms | 8 oz |
| Carrots | 2 |
| Celery | 2 ribs |
| Potato | 1 large |
| Beef Broth | 32 oz |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Bay Leaves | 3 |
| Cornstarch (optional) | 2 tbsp |
This beef stew crock pot recipe is a classic comfort food. It’s perfect for warming up on a cold day. Serve it as a main dish or with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
Beef stew is a hearty and comforting classic. It truly shines when paired with the right side dishes. Whether you’re looking to soak up the flavorful broth or balance the rich textures, there are plenty of delectable options to elevate your crock pot beef stew experience.
Complementary Dishes
One of the most popular accompaniments for beef stew is a crusty bread, such as dinner rolls or a fresh baguette. The bread provides the perfect vehicle to mop up every last drop of the savory broth. For a starchier side, mashed potatoes or steamed rice make excellent choices, offering a neutral base to complement the boldness of the stew.
For a veggie side, consider roasted or sautéed greens, like kale or spinach. These nutrient-dense options not only add a pop of color to the plate but also provide a nice contrast to the tender beef and vegetables in the stew. Roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, or potatoes, are another tasty and wholesome accompaniment.
| Side Dish | Preparation Time | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes | 30 minutes | 220 kcal |
| Buttery Mashed Potatoes | 45 minutes | 240 kcal |
| Sautéed Kale with Garlic | 15 minutes | 110 kcal |
| Homemade Dinner Rolls | 1 hour 15 minutes | 190 kcal |
No matter which sides you choose, the key is to select options that complement the bold flavors and hearty texture of the beef stew. This creates a balanced and satisfying meal.
Variations and Customizations
The classic crock pot beef stew recipe is tasty on its own. But, its real charm comes from being adaptable. Try out different variations and customizations to match your taste.
Vegetable Variations
Replace traditional veggies like carrots and potatoes with something new. Add diced parsnips, celery, or green beans for a fresh twist. For a thicker stew, use cubed sweet potatoes or butternut squash.
Flavor Profiles
Give your crock pot beef stew a new flavor by changing the wine or broth. Use Guinness or red wine instead of beef broth. Adjust the herbs and spices to your taste.
| Variation | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Mushroom-Thyme Beef Stew | • 8 oz. sliced mushrooms • 1 tsp. dried thyme |
| Guinness Beef Stew | • 1 cup Guinness beer • 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce |
| Southwestern Beef Stew | • 1 tsp. chili powder • 1 tsp. ground cumin |
There are countless ways to make your beef stew variations and crock pot beef stew recipes unique. Use this classic recipe as a starting point. Then, mix and match ingredients to create your ideal dish.
Tips for the Perfect Beef Stew Crock Pot
Making the ultimate beef stew in your crock pot is easy with a few tips. Start by searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This step adds flavor and makes the beef tender. Also, mix high-quality beef broth with red wine or Guinness for a rich broth.
For the veggies, cut potatoes and carrots big to keep them firm. Adding Worcestershire sauce or Gravy Master can also enhance the stew’s color and taste.
- Sear the beef before adding it to the crock pot to lock in flavor and create a more tender texture.
- Use a combination of beef broth and red wine or Guinness to create a rich, complex broth.
- Cut the potatoes and carrots into larger pieces to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or Gravy Master to deepen the color and flavor of the stew.
Follow these tips for crock pot beef stew to make the best beef stew in slow cooker. You’ll get a hearty, comforting dish that everyone will love.
“The slow cooker is a chef’s best friend when it comes to making the perfect beef stew. With a little preparation and these simple tips, you’ll be serving up a restaurant-quality dish right from your own kitchen.”
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Enjoying a delicious crock pot beef stew doesn’t have to end when the meal is over. You can savor the flavors for days with proper storage and reheating. Here’s how to handle your leftovers with ease.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly
This crock pot beef stew recipe makes a large batch, so you’ll likely have some leftovers. To store the stew, simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
For longer-term storage, the stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to serve, simply thaw the how to store beef stew in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Remember, when reheating leftovers, it’s important to use the microwave or stovetop rather than the slow cooker. Slow cookers operate at lower temperatures, which may not reach the recommended 165°F (73.9°C) internal temperature needed to kill any potentially harmful bacteria and ensure reheating crock pot beef stew is safe to consume.
By following these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your delicious crock pot beef stew for days or even weeks after the initial preparation. The freezing beef stew technique also makes it easy to have a hearty meal on hand for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Conclusion
This easy beef stew crock pot recipe is great for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It turns cheap stew meat into a tender, tasty dish. It’s sure to become a family favorite.
The mix of beef, veggies, and rich broth makes it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you want a slow-cooked version or a quicker one, this recipe works well. It’s ready in 3 ½ to 4 hours or 7 ½ hours.
The flavors, from Worcestershire sauce to cabernet sauvignon, are deep and satisfying. Serve it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a salad for a full meal. It’s a hearty comfort food that everyone will love.
Next time you want a comforting dish, try this crock pot beef stew recipe. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. It’s a great addition to your household.
