Crockpot Beef Stew

Crockpot Beef Stew: 5 Irresistible Comfort Wins

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Introduction

Crockpot Beef Stew is the ultimate set-and-forget dinner that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas while you go about your day. Hearty cubes of beef, tender potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions slow-simmer in a savory tomato-spiced broth blended with garlic, thyme, and rosemary. By the time you’re home, the meat is so soft it practically melts in your mouth, and the vegetables have soaked up every drop of flavor.

I first discovered this recipe on a chilly weekend when I needed an effortless meal before heading out. I dumped all the ingredients into my slow cooker, gave it a quick stir, and let it work its magic for eight hours. When I returned, the rich, fragrant stew was already bubbling, ready to ladle into bowls. Paired with crusty bread, it felt like a warm hug in a bowl—without the all-day fuss of stove-top cooking.

Whether you’re juggling work and family or simply craving deep, slow-cooked flavors, this Crockpot Beef Stew delivers tender beef and vibrant vegetables in one easy pot. Let’s explore why you’ll love it and exactly how to make it your next weeknight hero.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-Off Cooking: Simply combine ingredients, set your slow cooker, and walk away.
  • Rich Flavor: Slow simmering melds beef, herbs, and tomato paste into a deep, savory broth.
  • Tender Texture: Eight hours on low (or 4–5 hours on high) yields melt-in-your-mouth beef.
  • Family Friendly: Mild seasonings appeal to all ages; crusty bread makes it meal-complete.
  • Flexible Add-Ins: Easily swap or add vegetables like peas, parsnips, or mushrooms.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900 g) beef stew meat, cut into 1″ cubes
  • 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional Thickener: 2 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp water

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the Slow Cooker
    • Place beef cubes, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic into the crockpot.
  2. Build the Broth
    • Pour in beef broth and stir in tomato paste until dissolved.
    • Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the top.
  3. Cook Low & Slow
    • Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
  4. Thicken if Desired
    • About 30 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch and water slurry until smooth.
    • Stir into the stew; recover and cook on HIGH until broth thickens, about 30 minutes.
  5. Serve
    • Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

  • Crusty Baguette for sopping up every drop of broth.
  • Buttered Noodles tossed in the stew as a hearty variation.
  • Green Beans Almondine or a simple salad for a crisp contrast.
  • Dollop of Sour Cream and fresh parsley for garnish and tang.
  • Parmesan-Garlic Biscuits to elevate the meal.

FAQs

  1. Can I prepare this ahead?
    Yes—assemble ingredients and refrigerate up to 8 hours before cooking.
  2. How do I adapt for fresh herbs?
    Use 1 Tbsp each of fresh thyme and rosemary, adding halfway through cooking.
  3. What if I don’t have tomato paste?
    Substitute ½ cup canned crushed tomatoes for depth and acidity.
  4. Can I freeze leftovers?
    Freeze cooled stew in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
  5. Is this gluten-free?
    Yes—omit the cornstarch or swap for arrowroot powder if needed; check your broth’s label.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, serves 6)

  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Carbs: 25 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg

Recipe Tips

  • Brown the Meat (Optional): Sear beef cubes in a hot skillet for 3 minutes per side before adding to boost flavor.
  • Vegetable Swap: Add parsnips, turnips, or quick-cooking peas in the last hour for variety.
  • Even Cooking: Cut vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure they cook through evenly.
  • Reduce Broth: For a heartier stew, use 3 cups broth; the final stew will be thicker naturally.
  • Adjust Salt Late: Because broth and tomato paste can vary in sodium, season lightly at first and adjust at the end.

Conclusion

Crockpot Beef Stew is your go-to for effortless, soul-warming dinners. With minimal prep and hours of slow cooking, you’ll enjoy tender beef and vibrant vegetables in a savory, herb-kissed broth.

For more comforting slow-cooker recipes, visit Allrecipes’ Slow Cooker Collection and The Kitchn’s guide to perfect stew. Happy simmering!

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