Simple Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
Are you craving a warm, hearty, and flavorful meal that's incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this simple crock pot beef stew recipe. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, requiring minimal hands-on time and delivering maximum flavor. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, tender beef stew without the fuss!
Ingredients for Your Perfect Crock Pot Beef Stew
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous cooking session.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes. Choose a cut with some marbling for extra tenderness. Chuck roast or bottom round work well.
- 1 large onion, chopped.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped. This adds a nice subtle sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use pre-minced if needed.
- 4 cups beef broth. Low sodium is preferred, allowing you to control the saltiness.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste. This adds richness and depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. This helps thicken the stew.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme. This classic herb complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. Another excellent herb for beef stew!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt. Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground black pepper is ideal.
- 2 bay leaves. Remove before serving.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning the beef)
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
This simple crock pot beef stew recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for novice cooks.
Step 1: Browning the Beef (Optional)
For a richer flavor, you can brown the beef cubes in olive oil over medium-high heat before adding them to the crock pot. This step is optional but recommended. Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 2: Assembling the Stew
Place the browned beef (or un-browned beef) into your crock pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
Step 3: Adding the Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato paste. Stir in the flour, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
Step 4: Slow Cooking 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. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes!
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
Serve your delicious crock pot beef stew hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of freshness.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Don't overfill your crock pot. Leave some space at the top to allow for steam.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. You can always add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
- Add potatoes during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers are even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight.
This simple crock pot beef stew recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this classic dish! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us – we'd love to see your delicious beef stew!
