This easy crock pot beef stew is warm, hearty, and perfect for cozy dinners. With tender beef, carrots, and potatoes slowly simmered together, it’s a meal that feels like a big hug!
There’s nothing like the smell of stew cooking all day. Just toss in the ingredients, set it, and relax! I love serving it with crusty bread—such a treat on chilly nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast is a great choice for this stew, as it becomes tender during slow cooking. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use sirloin or brisket. Remember to cut into uniform pieces for even cooking!
Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes are classics, but feel free to add parsnips, celery, or mushrooms for extra flavor. If you’re short on potatoes, turnips work well, too!
Red Wine: Using red wine adds depth to the stew. If you don’t have any, simply double the beef broth. A splash of vinegar could mimic some acidity.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and rosemary are wonderful, but you can also use Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence if that’s what you have. Dried herbs work just as well!
How Do I Make Sure My Beef is Tender?
The key to tender beef stew is low and slow cooking. While browning the beef adds flavor, it’s the slow cooking that really breaks down the tough fibers in the meat. Here’s how to ensure perfect beef:
- Season and coat your beef with flour early on; it helps in browning and thickening.
- Use a quality beef broth as the cooking base for added richness.
- Don’t rush the cooking process—if time allows, cook on low for the best results.
Give your stew a good stir halfway through if you can, and always taste before serving. Adjust seasonings as needed; it makes a big difference!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Cozy Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy beef stew takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll let it simmer for either 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. With minimal hands-on time, you can go about your day while the crock pot does all the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef:
In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until the meat is evenly coated. This helps to create a nice crust and thickens the stew as it cooks.
2. Browning the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the beef to the skillet and brown it on all sides. Although this step adds great flavor, you can skip it if you’re in a hurry; just add the beef directly to the crock pot.
3. Assembling in the Crock Pot:
Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot. Then, add the chopped onion, garlic, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes. Mix everything together gently.
4. Adding Flavor:
Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, beef broth, and red wine (if using). Make sure everything is well combined.
5. Cooking:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender, and the vegetables should be nicely cooked.
6. Finishing Touches:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Cover the crock pot again and continue cooking until the peas are heated through.
7. Serving:
Remove the bay leaves and taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color!
Enjoy this hearty, comforting beef stew—perfect for any cozy dinner with family or friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed beef for this recipe to ensure even cooking. If you only have frozen beef, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in cold water in a sealed bag for quicker thawing before proceeding with the recipe.
How Do I Thicken the Stew Further?
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Make sure to stir well to avoid clumps!
What Can I Use Instead of Red Wine?
If you don’t want to use red wine, simply replace it with additional beef broth or even some balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor. Just reduce the amount of broth slightly to keep the liquid balance right.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, portion the stew into freezer-safe containers and it will last for about 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave.
