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Crockpot Beef Stew

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Hearty, melt-in-your-mouth beef stew slow-cooked to perfection with tender vegetables and savory spices—comfort in every bowl!

The beauty of Crockpot Beef Stew is that the longer it simmers, the better it gets. As the hours go by, the beef becomes meltingly tender, soaking up all the flavors from the garlic, onions, and herbs. The broth transforms into a rich, savory base that’s just begging to be soaked up by a hunk of crusty bread. You’ll know it’s time to serve when the house smells like a warm hug, and the flavors have melded together into something magical. What’s great is that this dish only improves with time, so don’t worry if you have leftovers. The stew becomes even more flavorful the next day, making it a perfect meal to prepare ahead of time for a cozy dinner later in the week.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, add a splash of red wine or a dash of Worcestershire sauce before setting the slow cooker. These little additions will bring out an extra layer of depth in the flavor, making each bite even more satisfying. And let’s not forget about the vegetables—the carrots, potatoes, and parsnips (if you’ve added them) turn into little flavor-packed nuggets, tender but still holding their shape. It’s comfort food at its finest, with just the right balance of hearty, savory, and just a hint of sweetness from the vegetables.

Key Ingredients in Crockpot Beef Stew

The ingredients in this recipe come together to create the perfect balance of savory, hearty, and rich flavors. Each one plays an essential role in building the deep, comforting essence of the stew, making it the kind of meal you’ll want to keep coming back to. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

  • Beef stew meat
    Tender and juicy, this is the heart of the dish. As it cooks low and slow, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and absorbs all the savory goodness from the broth and seasonings.
  • Potatoes
    These cubes of goodness soak up all the flavors of the broth while maintaining their texture. They give the stew its comforting, creamy richness and make each spoonful even heartier.
  • Carrots
    Sweet and slightly earthy, the carrots add a perfect balance to the savory depth of the stew. They soften as they cook, infusing the broth with their natural sweetness.
  • Onion
    A must-have for any stew, onions provide a savory foundation. When sautéed, they release their natural sugars, which enhance the stew’s flavor profile, making everything taste just a little more rounded and comforting.
  • Garlic
    Garlic brings that wonderful aromatic base to the stew, infusing the broth with its warm, slightly spicy flavor that enhances the beef and vegetables without overpowering them.
  • Beef broth
    This is the liquid gold that pulls everything together. Beef broth gives the stew its rich, meaty depth, and serves as the perfect base for all the other flavors to meld and mingle as they cook.
  • Red wine
    Adding a splash of red wine deepens the stew’s flavor, contributing an extra layer of complexity. The wine helps to tenderize the beef while adding a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the broth.
  • Tomato paste
    Tomato paste thickens the stew and adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that lifts the savory flavors. It’s one of those secret ingredients that make the whole dish taste more refined.
  • Dried thyme
    This herb brings a warm, slightly earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and vegetables, infusing the stew with a classic, aromatic herbiness.
  • Dried rosemary
    Rosemary’s piney, fragrant flavor adds an herbal kick to the stew, giving it a rustic, earthy profile. It pairs wonderfully with the beef and brings a little something extra to the dish.
  • Salt
    Salt helps to enhance the natural flavors of all the ingredients, making everything taste more vibrant and well-seasoned.
  • Black pepper
    A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle kick of heat, elevating the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
  • All-purpose flour
    A little flour is used to help thicken the broth, giving the stew a rich, velvety texture that coats the back of a spoon.
  • Bay leaf
    This aromatic leaf adds a subtle depth of flavor to the stew. While it’s not something you’ll eat, it’s a flavor powerhouse that imparts a subtle, herbaceous essence to the broth. Don’t forget to remove it before serving!

How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew

  • STEP 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
  • STEP 2: Add the beef stew meat to the skillet in a single layer.
  • STEP 3: Brown the beef on all sides, turning occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes.
  • STEP 4: Once the beef is browned, transfer it to the crockpot.
  • STEP 5: Peel and cube the potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  • STEP 6: Peel and slice the carrots into about 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  • STEP 7: Chop the onion into small pieces.
  • STEP 8: Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  • STEP 9: Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic to the crockpot with the beef.
  • STEP 10: Pour the beef broth into the crockpot over the beef and vegetables.
  • STEP 11: Pour the red wine into the crockpot as well.
  • STEP 12: Add the tomato paste to the mixture in the crockpot.
  • STEP 13: Sprinkle the dried thyme over the contents in the crockpot.
  • STEP 14: Sprinkle the dried rosemary into the crockpot.
  • STEP 15: Add the salt to the mixture in the crockpot.
  • STEP 16: Sprinkle the black pepper over the ingredients in the crockpot.
  • STEP 17: Stir everything together gently in the crockpot to combine.
  • STEP 18: In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a couple of tablespoons of water until smooth.
  • STEP 19: Add the flour mixture to the crockpot and stir it in.
  • STEP 20: Place the bay leaf into the crockpot.
  • STEP 21: Cover the crockpot with the lid.
  • STEP 22: Set the crockpot to cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
  • STEP 23: Once the stew is done cooking, remove the bay leaf and discard it.
  • STEP 24: Give the stew a final stir and check the seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.
  • STEP 25: Serve the beef stew hot, and enjoy your meal!

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Beef Stew

1. Crusty Bread
There’s nothing quite like a thick slice of warm, crusty bread to dip into your bowl of hearty beef stew. The bread will soak up all the rich, flavorful broth, making each bite even more satisfying. If you’re feeling fancy, toast the bread with a little butter and garlic for a simple, yet irresistible side.

2. A Side Salad
Balance out the warmth of the stew with a fresh, crisp salad. A mix of greens like arugula or spinach, topped with a tangy vinaigrette, can provide the perfect contrast to the rich, savory stew. The acidity from the dressing will also help to cut through the richness of the beef.

3. Mashed Potatoes
For an extra cozy touch, serve your stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The smooth texture of the potatoes makes the perfect base for the stew’s tender beef and flavorful vegetables, creating a comforting combination that will make your heart (and stomach) smile.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy a big bowl of stew? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear all your delicious ideas!

How to Store Crockpot Beef Stew

Storing your leftover Crockpot Beef Stew is a great way to ensure you can enjoy that delicious comfort food for days to come. To keep it fresh and flavorful, start by allowing the stew to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container and keeps the stew from becoming watery when reheated.

Once it’s cooled, transfer the stew to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and it will still taste amazing when reheated. The flavors continue to meld together, making each bite even more delicious than the last! Just remember to give it a good stir and check the seasoning when you heat it up again.

If you’ve made a big batch and know you won’t finish it in time, freezing is a fantastic option. Portion out the stew into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. The slow-cooked goodness will taste as rich and comforting as the first time you made it!

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! A cozy, comforting Crockpot Beef Stew that’s sure to become a family favorite. From the tender beef to the flavorful broth and perfectly cooked vegetables, this dish is the ultimate in hearty comfort food. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and the longer it cooks, the more delicious it gets. You can’t go wrong with a slow-cooked meal that fills your house with that mouthwatering, “come on over and sit down” aroma!

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this stew will always have you looking forward to that first spoonful. Don’t forget, if you have any leftovers, they only get better with time—so you’ll have even more to look forward to later in the week!

I’d love to hear how it goes if you give this recipe a try! Let me know in the comments—did you add any extra ingredients or tweak the recipe in your own special way? Or maybe you’ve got some tips for making it even more delicious? I’m all ears! And of course, if you run into any questions or need a little extra help, I’m here for you. Enjoy your Crockpot Beef Stew, and happy cooking!

Crockpot Beef Stew

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 6 hrs Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 6 hrs 30 mins
Calories: 450

Description

Tender chunks of beef slow-cooked to perfection with hearty potatoes, carrots, and onions in a rich, savory broth. Each bite is a warm hug, packed with cozy flavors that make this Crockpot Beef Stew the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
  2. Add the beef stew meat to the skillet in a single layer.
  3. Brown the beef on all sides, turning occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Once the beef is browned, transfer it to the crockpot.
  5. Peel and cube the potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  6. Peel and slice the carrots into about 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  7. Chop the onion into small pieces.
  8. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  9. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic to the crockpot with the beef.
  10. Pour the beef broth into the crockpot over the beef and vegetables.
  11. Pour the red wine into the crockpot as well.
  12. Add the tomato paste to the mixture in the crockpot.
  13. Sprinkle the dried thyme over the contents in the crockpot.
  14. Sprinkle the dried rosemary into the crockpot.
  15. Add the salt to the mixture in the crockpot.
  16. Sprinkle the black pepper over the ingredients in the crockpot.
  17. Stir everything together gently in the crockpot to combine.
  18. In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a couple of tablespoons of water until smooth.
  19. Add the flour mixture to the crockpot and stir it in.
  20. Place the bay leaf into the crockpot.
  21. Cover the crockpot with the lid.
  22. Set the crockpot to cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
  23. Once the stew is done cooking, remove the bay leaf and discard it.
  24. Give the stew a final stir and check the seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.
  25. Serve the beef stew hot, and enjoy your meal!

Note

  • Brown the beef well to develop rich flavor before adding to the crockpot.
  • For a thicker stew, add an extra tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water during the last hour of cooking.
  • If you prefer a deeper wine flavor, use a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas or green beans during the last hour of cooking for extra texture.
  • Be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving, as it is not edible.

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