Crockpot Beef Stew Recipes

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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Crockpot Beef Stew Recipes: A Cozy Winter Warmer

Are you ready to dive into the world of comforting, flavorful crockpot beef stew recipes? This hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; your slow cooker does the work, leaving you with tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef and richly flavored vegetables. Let's explore some delicious variations!

Classic Crockpot Beef Stew

This recipe is a timeless favorite, utilizing simple ingredients to create a deeply satisfying stew.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, 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 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sear the beef: Heat 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 flavor! Set aside.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Combine in slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the browned beef, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
4. 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.
5. Add potatoes: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the potatoes.
6. Finish and serve: Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Crockpot Beef Stew with Mushrooms and Barley

This variation adds earthy mushrooms and hearty barley for a heartier, more textured stew.

Ingredients: (similar to above, with additions)

• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup pearl barley, rinsed

Instructions:

Follow steps 1-3 from the Classic Crockpot Beef Stew recipe. Add the sliced mushrooms and rinsed barley along with the potatoes in step 4. Continue with steps 5 and 6.

Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Beef Stew:

• Don't overcrowd your slow cooker: This can prevent even cooking.
• Use a good quality beef stew meat: Look for cuts with some marbling for extra flavor and tenderness.
• Season generously: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
• Thicken the stew (optional): 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.
• Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like turnips, parsnips, or sweet potatoes.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your crockpot beef stew with crusty bread, a side salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

This is your starting point to mastering the art of crockpot beef stew! Experiment with different ingredients and find your perfect recipe. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of a perfectly slow-cooked stew.