The Ultimate Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe: Tender, Flavorful, and Easy
Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this ultimate crock pot beef stew recipe. This recipe delivers fall-off-the-bone tender beef in a rich, savory gravy, perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy weekend dinner. It’s surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal prep time, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the delicious results.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can whip up this delicious stew without a trip to a specialty store.
- 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 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor – substitute with beef broth if needed)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or russet work well)
- 1 cup frozen peas (added during the last 30 minutes)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This slow cooker beef stew recipe is incredibly simple to follow:
- Sear the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step adds incredible depth of flavor. Set the browned beef aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine everything in the slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the browned beef, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- 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 slow cooker.
- 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 for the Perfect Crock Pot Beef Stew:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Leave some space for the ingredients to simmer evenly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Thicken the stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, turnips, or parsnips. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for a kick!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this hearty beef stew with crusty bread for dipping, a side salad, or mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying meal. It's also great for meal prepping – leftovers are even better the next day!
This crock pot beef stew recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and incredible flavor make it a perfect addition to your weeknight or weekend meal rotation. Enjoy!
