This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is perfect for cozy meals! It’s packed with tender beef, hearty veggies, and savory broth that warms you right up.
Honestly, there’s nothing better than coming home to a kitchen filled with spicy, meaty smells. I love serving it with crusty bread—makes every bite even better! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: For this stew, beef chuck is ideal because it becomes very tender during slow cooking. If you can’t find chuck, you can use brisket or round steak. Just cut it into similar-sized pieces.
Broth: I love using beef broth for flavor. However, if you want a lighter stew, use chicken broth. For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works, but it’ll change the taste a bit.
Red Wine: The wine adds depth, but you can skip it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Simply add more broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar to keep that rich flavor.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix up the veggies! Turnips, parsnips, or sweet potatoes can be great additions if you want to switch things up.
Herbs: I recommend using fresh herbs when possible, but dried herbs work just fine and are more convenient. Just use a little less if you make the switch, since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor with Marinating and Browning?
The marinating and browning stages are crucial for locking in flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Coat beef chunks evenly with flour, salt, and pepper before searing. This helps create a crust that adds flavor.
- For browning, use a medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the skillet. Brown them in batches for best results.
- Sauté onions and garlic just until fragrant. This step enhances the overall flavor.
Taking these extra steps really ramps up the taste, making your stew even more comforting.
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy beef stew takes about 20 minutes to prep and then you let it cook in your crock pot. If you choose to cook on low, expect it to be ready in 7-8 hours; on high, it will be cooked through in about 3-4 hours. Just set it and relax while the delicious aromas fill your home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Beef:
In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until they’re all evenly coated. This step helps thicken the stew as it cooks and creates a nice crust on the beef when browning.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, searing all sides until they’re nicely browned. After browning, transfer the beef directly to the crock pot.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant. This will bring out their flavors. Next, add them to the crock pot with the beef.
4. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, celery, beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the crock pot. Stir gently to combine everything thoroughly.
5. Slow Cook:
Cover the crock pot and let it cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and the vegetables soft after cooking.
6. Finish with Peas:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the frozen peas and remove the bay leaves. This not only adds flavor but also brings a nice pop of color!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. This ensures all the flavors blend perfectly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your stew with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely finish. Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious broth!
Enjoy your delicious and comforting crock pot beef stew! Perfect for cozy nights!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s important to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the beef in the fridge overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave. Ensure to pat it dry before coating it with flour.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth can be good substitutes. Using broth adds depth to the stew, but vegetable broth may yield a slightly different flavor profile.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, or bell peppers based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Just ensure they are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking!
