This easy crock pot beef stew is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender beef, carrots, and potatoes simmering together, it’s a perfect meal for busy days.
Honestly, I love how I can just toss everything in and forget about it. When I come back, dinner is ready, and my house smells amazing. Perfect for cozy nights! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: I usually go for chuck roast because it becomes super tender during cooking. You can also use brisket or round, but avoid lean cuts like sirloin which could dry out.
Carrots: Fresh carrots are best, but you can use baby carrots if that’s what you have. If you’re looking to mix it up, parsnips or sweet potatoes create a slightly different yet delicious flavor.
Potatoes: I love using Yukon Gold potatoes—they’re creamy and hold up well in the stew. Russets work too, but they might break down more during cooking. You can omit or replace with cauliflower for a low-carb option!
Beef Broth: If you want to change flavors a bit, try using chicken or vegetable broth. Homemade is fantastic but store-bought works just fine in a pinch.
Frozen Peas: You can swap in any frozen vegetable mix or add some green beans for a crunchier texture. You can even leave them out if you prefer your stew without any extra greens.
How Do You Ensure the Beef is Tender?
The key to tender beef in your stew is all about cooking it low and slow. When you sear the meat first, it seals in the juices and enhances the flavor. Here’s how:
- Use medium-high heat for searing. This caramelizes the beef, giving it rich flavor.
- After searing, don’t rush the cooking process. Slow cooking for hours allows the collagen in the beef to break down, making it fork-tender.
- Check the seasoning as it cooks! Taste tests help adjust flavors in the last hour.
Remember, every slow cooker can be a bit different. If it seems like your stew isn’t cooking fast enough, you can always increase the temperature a bit. Enjoy your hearty stew!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty beef stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time and will cook in the crock pot for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the beef and brown it on all sides for about 5 minutes. This step adds great flavor! Once browned, transfer the beef to the crock pot.
2. Sautéing the Onions and Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes or until they’re softened and fragrant. This will help build the flavor of the stew. After they’re done, stir them into the crock pot with the beef.
3. Coating with Flour:
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetable mixture in the crock pot. Gently stir to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken the stew as it cooks.
4. Adding Remaining Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the rest of your ingredients! Toss in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, and beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
5. Cooking the Stew:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You want the beef to be tender and the vegetables to be cooked through.
6. Adding Peas:
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. This will give the stew a nice pop of color and flavor without losing their texture.
7. Final Touches:
Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves from the stew. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. It’s your time to shine with flavor!
8. Serving:
Serve the hot beef stew in bowls. It goes wonderfully with fresh bread to soak up the delicious broth or over a bed of mashed potatoes for extra comfort. Enjoy your heartwarming meal!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Can I Use Frozen Beef Stew Meat?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen beef, make sure to thaw it completely before browning. The safest way is to leave it in the fridge overnight, but you can also use a microwave defrost function if you’re short on time. Just make sure to dry it well before browning!
Can I Adjust the Cooking Time?
Yes, you can! If you need your stew done faster, use the high setting on your crock pot. It will take about 4-5 hours on high. Just keep an eye as cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker and the size of your beef cubes.
How Do I Store Leftover Beef Stew?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container!
What Can I Serve with Beef Stew?
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or even over rice. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal!
