There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of crockpot beef stew, isn’t there? The rich, savory aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers away for hours is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This hearty dish combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of spices that create a flavor explosion in every spoonful. What I love most is how easy it is to prepare—just brown the beef, toss everything into the crockpot, and let it work its magic! You’ll come home to a meal that warms both your belly and your soul, perfect for any occasion or simply to enjoy on a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delicious crockpot beef stew, you’ll need some hearty ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes – this cut is perfect for slow cooking, becoming incredibly tender!
- 4 cups beef broth – the foundation of flavor; I always opt for low-sodium when I can!
- 3 carrots, sliced – they add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 3 potatoes, diced – I prefer using Yukon Gold for their creamy texture.
- 1 onion, chopped – a must for that aromatic base!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – this ties all the flavors together and adds depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – my favorite herb for stews!
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – it complements the beef perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to adjust these to suit your palate!
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set for a cozy cooking adventure!
How to Prepare Crockpot Beef Stew
Making this crockpot beef stew is as easy as 1-2-3! Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to a comforting bowl of deliciousness. Trust me, the process is so simple that you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step is key to developing that rich flavor, so don’t rush it! Aim for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is nicely seared on all sides.
- Once the beef is browned, transfer it to your trusty crockpot. This is where the magic happens!
- Now, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic right on top of the beef. It’s like a beautiful veggie blanket!
- Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed!
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. You’ll want to resist the urge to peek too often—let those flavors meld together!
- When the time is up, serve it hot and enjoy the cozy, hearty goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Stew
- It’s packed with robust, savory flavors that will warm your soul.
- The slow cooking process makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- It’s incredibly convenient—set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection!
- Perfect for meal prep; you can easily make a big batch for the week.
- Nutrient-rich with hearty vegetables that complement the protein beautifully.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Tips for Success with Your Crockpot Beef Stew
To ensure your crockpot beef stew turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the browning step—it really enhances the flavor and makes a huge difference! If you want to amp up the taste, consider adding a splash of red wine to the broth; it adds a lovely depth. Feel free to mix up the vegetables based on what you have on hand; peas, green beans, or even mushrooms work beautifully! And don’t be shy with the seasoning—taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, cooking is all about personalizing it to suit your taste, so have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for each serving of this hearty crockpot beef stew. Each cup is packed with approximately 350 calories, which is pretty great for a filling meal! You’ll find about 15 grams of fat, with 5 grams being saturated fat. It also has around 25 grams of protein, making it a good source of energy. Plus, there are about 30 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber, which is perfect for keeping you satisfied. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portions used!
FAQ about Crockpot Beef Stew
Got questions about making the best crockpot beef stew? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common ones:
How long does it take to cook in the crockpot?
If you cook it on low, it’ll take about 8 hours. If you’re short on time, cooking on high will get it done in about 4 hours!
Can I substitute the beef chuck?
Absolutely! You can use brisket or even stew meat, but chuck is my favorite for its tenderness.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, just add a bit more seasoning for flavor.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to throw in peas, corn, or green beans for extra color and nutrition!
How do I serve it?
This stew is perfect on its own, but I love serving it with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal!
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Beef Stew
This crockpot beef stew is such a hearty meal on its own, but there are plenty of delicious sides that can elevate your dining experience! I absolutely love serving it with a slice of warm, crusty bread—perfect for soaking up all that rich broth. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the stew’s warmth. You could also pair it with buttery mashed potatoes for an extra comforting touch. Whatever you choose, your cozy meal is sure to be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious crockpot beef stew is super simple! Just let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers—this helps keep it fresh. It’ll last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those tasty leftovers! When you’re ready to dig in again, just reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. If you prefer, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Just be sure not to overheat it, or you might dry it out. Enjoy every last spoonful!
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Crockpot Beef Stew: 7 Steps to Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful crockpot beef stew perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Add the vegetables and garlic to the crockpot.
- Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crockpot beef stew, beef stew, slow cooker recipe
