Cozy & Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew 🍲🥩✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew that warms your soul and requires minimal effort, you’ve come to the right place! This Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors, all simmered to perfection in your Crock-Pot. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a comforting meal, this easy beef stew offers rich taste with simple ingredients. It’s a dish that gets better as it simmers, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
2. Ingredients for the Best Crock Pot Beef Stew
- 2 lbs chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting the chuck roast into bite-sized pieces. Prepare the vegetables by peeling and slicing carrots and potatoes, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. This prep ensures a smooth cooking process.
Sear the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to your slow cooker beef stew. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Layer the Vegetables and Seasonings
Add the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. These ingredients will give your stew its rich, savory flavor.
Add the Broth
Pour the beef broth over the ingredients. The liquid should just cover the contents for optimal slow-cooking results. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Cook the Stew
Set your Crock-Pot to low and cook for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Final Touches
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and color.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Beef Stew
Let the stew cool completely before storing. Transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on the stove or in the microwave.
5. Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Enjoy your stew with crusty fresh bread or baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Serve over a bed of mashed potatoes or buttery noodles for an added comfort factor.
- Add a side of roasted green beans or a simple garden salad for a balanced meal.
- For dessert, try our fall-inspired caramel apple punch.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! You can substitute chuck roast with beef stew meat or sirloin tips. Stewing cuts that become tender with slow cooking work best.
Is this stew suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely. Just ensure all your seasonings and broth are gluten-free. This stew naturally is gluten-free.
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation time is about 15-20 minutes. The bulk of the cooking takes 4-8 hours, depending on your slow cooker settings.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to include peas, green beans, or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Make this Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew effortlessly with a spacious slow cooker that heats evenly and maintains consistent temperature.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Easily chop and prepare all your vegetables with this versatile prep tool, saving you time in the kitchen.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: This high-quality cookware set ensures your searing and simmering are done with ease and non-stick convenience.
8. Additional Resources and Inspiration
Looking for more hearty and comforting recipes? Check out these popular dishes:
- Copycat Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- Easy 4-Ingredient Caramel Apple Punch
9. Conclusion
This Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. Its simple preparation and slow cooking magic make it a perfect meal for busy days when you want a nourishing, delicious dinner with minimal effort. With the tips and tools provided, you’ll master this slow cooker beef stew recipe in no time! Enjoy a warm, satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Print
Cozy & Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Experience the ultimate comfort with this Cozy & Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew. This hearty slow cooker recipe features tender beef chunks, flavorful vegetables, and rich seasoning, making it perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights. Simplify dinner without sacrificing taste with this effortless, delicious stew that simmers to perfection in your crock pot.
- Total Time: 27-28 minutes prep + cook time
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by cutting the chuck roast into bite-sized pieces. Prepare the vegetables by peeling and slicing carrots and potatoes, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the beef broth over the ingredients. Cover with the slow cooker lid.
- Set the crock pot to low and cook for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For an extra hearty stew, add pearl onions or mushrooms during the layering step.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- To thicken the stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (low) / 4-5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg