Easy Beef Stew Crock-Pot Recipe: A Fall Favorite
Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this easy beef stew crock-pot recipe! Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe requires minimal prep time and lets your slow cooker do all the hard work, resulting in a tender, flavorful stew that's sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is optimized for search engines, using relevant keywords and semantic variations throughout.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (chuck roast works well too!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning the beef)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is designed for simplicity and ease of use.
- Optional: For a richer flavor, brown the beef cubes in olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step isn't necessary, but it adds depth of flavor.
- Combine ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the browned (or un-browned) beef, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, flour, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- 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 peas: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.
- Serve: Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Beef Stew:
- Cut the beef evenly: Ensuring that the beef cubes are roughly the same size helps them cook evenly.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked beef will be tough. Check for tenderness after 6 hours on low.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more or less of any seasoning to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or parsnips. Just add them along with the carrots and celery.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! It’s perfect for meal prepping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use different types of beef? Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, but stew meat or chuck roast are best for their tenderness.
- Can I make this on the stovetop? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Brown the beef, then simmer in a large pot for about 1.5-2 hours, or until tender.
- Can I freeze this stew? Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
This easy crock-pot beef stew recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Its simple ingredients and hands-off cooking method make it a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Enjoy!
