Why You’ll Enjoy This Comforting Dish
Crockpot beef stew is a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something hearty. This recipe combines tender beef, nutritious veggies, and robust flavors that come together effortlessly in your crockpot. Just a few simple steps and your meal is ready to enjoy, making it a favorite for busy people and families alike.
How to Create a Delicious Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, for richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for searing
Directions
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef and chop the vegetables into even pieces. This ensures they cook uniformly.
- Season the beef pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides. This step is key for enhancing both the flavor and texture of the meat.
- Transfer the seared beef to your crockpot. Then, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried herbs, beef broth, and red wine if you choose to use it. Give everything a good stir to mix.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for about 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender and the veggies are soft.
- After cooking, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For those who prefer a thicker stew, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water and stir it in.
- Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes.
Serving Suggestions for This Hearty Stew
This beef stew is wonderful on its own, but you can elevate your meal even more. Serve it alongside some toasted crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. A simple green salad can also complement the richness of the stew, bringing freshness to your plate.
How to Store Your Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 2 months. Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Helpful Tips for a Perfect Beef Stew
- For even more flavor, marinate the beef in the broth, herbs, and wine overnight before cooking.
- You can substitute the red wine with more beef broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Try adding other vegetables such as peas or green beans for added color and nutrition.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize this stew! You can add different herbs like parsley or bay leaves. Swap in other protein like chicken or even a plant-based substitute for a different twist.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional values will vary, but a typical serving of beef stew contains approximately:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
Family-Friendly Serving Ideas
This stew creates a cozy family meal that everyone will enjoy. Serve it with rice or pasta for a filling dinner, or simply set out a loaf of bread for dipping. Kids can easily help themselves, making mealtime stress-free.
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
Pair your crockpot beef stew with:
- A glass of red wine for the adults or grape juice for the kids.
- A light, fruity salad to balance the richness of the stew.
- Cheese biscuits for a fun treat on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen beef in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator beforehand for better cooking results.
What sides go well with beef stew?
Common sides include mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it over egg noodles or rice.
How can I tell if the beef is tender?
The beef is fork-tender when it easily pulls apart with a fork. If it’s still tough, it needs more cooking time.
Crockpot Beef Stew
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces Trimmed of excess fat
Vegetables
- 4 pieces carrots, sliced
- 3 pieces potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 piece onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine Optional, for richer flavor
Condiments & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for searing
Instructions
Preparation
- Trim any excess fat from the beef and chop the vegetables into even pieces.
- Season the beef pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil and sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides.
Cooking
- Transfer the seared beef to your crockpot.
- Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried herbs, beef broth, and red wine if using.
- Stir everything to mix well.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for about 4-5 hours.
- Check the stew when the beef is fork-tender and the veggies are soft.
Serving
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- For a thicker stew, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water and stir it in.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes.
