Hey there, busy cooks! Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite comfort food classics: Crock Pot Beef Stew. Trust me, when it’s chilly outside and you crave something warm and hearty, this recipe is your best friend. Not only is it delightfully simple to prepare, but it also fills the house with an irresistible aroma while it simmers away. I remember making this on a snow day when the kids were in and out, dragging half the yard in with them. It’s one of those easy meals that bring smiles all around even on the busiest days. If you’re loving this idea, you might also enjoy my Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup [insert internal link here].
Why you’ll love this recipe
What makes this Crock Pot Beef Stew a hit every time is its simplicity and versatility. You don’t need fancy ingredients or super skills in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of dish. With just a little prep, your crock pot does the heavy lifting while you go about your day. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or a burgeoning Netflix queue, this stew fits perfectly into your schedule.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 4 medium carrots
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-step instructions
Preparing the Beef
Coat the beef:
Place the beef cubes in a large bowl, sprinkle flour over them, and toss until coated. Season well with salt and pepper.
Brown the beef:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for about 5 minutes per batch. This step adds a depth of flavor, so don’t skip it! Once browned, transfer them to your crock pot.
Building the Stew
Chop the veggies:
Slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Add these to the crock pot with the beef.
Add liquids & seasonings:
Pour in the beef broth, then add tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
Cooking the Stew
Slow-cook magic:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. The beef will become melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the veggies will soak up all those delicious juices.
Finishing touches:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.
Taste & adjust:
Before serving, check the seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, perhaps with a garnish of chopped parsley to add a little pop of color.
Recipe tips & variations
You can mix things up with this Crock Pot Beef Stew by adding your touch!
- Meat: If you’re out of beef stew meat, diced brisket or chuck roast will work just fine.
- Veggies: Throw in whatever you have at hand! Celery, parsnips, and even mushrooms are good additions.
- Thickening: For a thicker stew, try adding a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
Storage & reheating
Leftovers (if any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For reheating, simply pop it back in the crock pot on low until warmed through, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Freezing is also an option. Let the stew cool completely, then freeze in zipper bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep all ingredients the night before, then just assemble everything in the crock pot in the morning.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend to coat the beef — the rest of the ingredients are already gluten-friendly.
Can I add wine?
Totally! Replace a cup of broth with red wine for a richer flavor. Your stew becomes a bit fancier this way!
What can I serve with beef stew?
Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad are all great companions for a complete meal.
Recipes you may like
This hearty stew has a way of becoming a family favorite. If you’re looking for more comforting classics, check out these other amazing recipes:
- Crookie Recipe: How to Make the Viral Cookie Croissant at Home
- Christmas Cookie Bars You’ll Love: Easy, Festive, and Delicious Ideas
Thanks for joining me in the kitchen today. I always love sharing these cozy cooking moments with you!
Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Description
Easy and hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe, perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 4 medium carrots
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Coat the beef: Place the beef cubes in a large bowl, sprinkle flour over them, and toss until coated. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Brown the beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for about 5 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer them to your crock pot.
- Chop the veggies: Slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Add these to the crock pot with the beef.
- Add liquids & seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, then add tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
- Slow-cook magic: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The beef will become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Finishing touches: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Taste & adjust: Before serving, check the seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, perhaps with a garnish of chopped parsley.
Notes
- You can mix things up by adding diced brisket or chuck roast as the meat.
- Feel free to include celery, parsnips, or mushrooms to the veggie mix.
- For a thicker stew, try adding a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg