The Ultimate Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe: Tender, Flavorful, and Easy
Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this ultimate crockpot beef stew recipe. This recipe delivers incredibly tender beef, rich savory broth, and a delightful medley of vegetables, all achieved with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend, this beef stew is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why This Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is the Best
This recipe isn't just another crockpot beef stew; it's meticulously crafted to deliver maximum flavor and tenderness. Here's why it stands out:
- Tender Beef: The slow cooking process in the crockpot ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender and melts in your mouth.
- Deep, Rich Flavor: We'll use a combination of flavorful ingredients to build a complex and satisfying broth.
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep work is required, and the crockpot does most of the work for you.
- Versatile: Easily customize the vegetables to your liking or add different herbs and spices for a unique twist.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (chuck roast or bottom round work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh peas, added during the last 30 minutes)
Instructions for the Best Crockpot Beef Stew:
- Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): For a richer 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 helps develop a deeper flavor in the stew.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the browned beef (or un-browned if skipping the searing step) in your crockpot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sprinkle with minced garlic.
- Add the Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
- Add Potatoes: About 1 hour before serving, add the cubed potatoes to the crockpot.
- Stir in Peas: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker stew: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add other vegetables: Mushrooms, turnips, parsnips, or butternut squash are great additions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
This crockpot beef stew recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, deliciousness, and ease of preparation make it a perfect weeknight meal or a show-stopping weekend dinner. Enjoy!
