The Ultimate Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe: Tender, Flavorful, and Effortless
Are you ready to experience the ultimate comfort food? This crockpot beef stew recipe delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef in a rich and savory gravy, all with minimal effort. Perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let's dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Gather these essentials:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (chuck roast works great!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor – substitute with more broth if needed)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed (add during the last hour)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This crockpot beef stew is incredibly easy to make. Follow these simple steps:
1. Sear the Beef (Optional, but Recommended):
Before adding everything to the slow cooker, browning the beef adds a delicious depth of flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it significantly enhances the flavor.
2. Layer the Ingredients in Your Crockpot:
Place the seared beef (or unseared if skipping the searing step) in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery on top. Next, sprinkle the minced garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), flour, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf over the vegetables. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
4. Add Potatoes:
About an hour before serving, add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker. This ensures they cook through without becoming mushy.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through, remove the bay leaf. Stir in some fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker stew: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips. Add them along with the potatoes.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
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