This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in! It’s packed with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes, all simmered together to create a warm and comforting meal.
I love popping everything in the Crock Pot and letting it do its magic while I relax. It makes the house smell amazing! Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a one-pot meal that’s so delicious?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: I recommend using chuck roast because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use sirloin, but it might need less cooking time.
Carrots: Fresh carrots are perfect for their sweetness. You can swap them for parsnips or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor and sweetness.
Red Wine: This adds a rich depth to the stew, but if you’re avoiding alcohol, simply use more beef broth or a splash of vinegar to maintain acidity.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary enhance the flavor wonderfully. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use them instead; just double the amount as fresh herbs are less concentrated.
How Do I Get the Beef to Be Tender and Flavorful?
The key to a tender beef stew is cooking it low and slow. Here’s how to make it perfect:
- Brown the beef cubes in olive oil before adding them to the Crock Pot. This step creates a lovely crust that adds flavor.
- Don’t rush the process—let it cook on low for 7-8 hours! This allows the collagen in the meat to break down beautifully.
- Make sure to season at different stages. Coat the beef with salt and pepper in the beginning and taste at the end to adjust flavors.
- Don’t forget the bay leaves—they infuse amazing flavor while cooking!
Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with extra beef broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then you’ll let your Crock Pot do the work. Cook it on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. After cooking, add the peas and let everything blend together for another 30 minutes. That means you’ll have a hearty meal ready in about 8 hours on low or 5 hours on high!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Beef:
In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This coating will help thicken the stew later and give the beef a great flavor.
2. Brown the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and brown it on all sides, which takes about 5 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to the Crock Pot.
3. Add Vegetables:
In the same Crock Pot, add in the sliced carrots, chunked potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic along with the browned beef. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. This mixture will create a delicious sauce for your stew.
5. Combine & Cook:
Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the Crock Pot. Make sure everything is well covered. Cover the lid and set your Crock Pot to cook. Choose either low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
6. Add Peas:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the frozen peas. This will give them time to heat through without getting mushy.
7. Final Touches:
Once cooking time is complete, carefully remove the bay leaves. Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. It’s time for those flavors to shine!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley right before serving, and enjoy your hearty beef stew! This meal is great with some crusty bread or over a mound of rice.
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Stew?
Absolutely! While carrots and potatoes are classic choices, you can also add celery, parsnips, or even mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Just ensure that any substitute has a similar cooking time to maintain consistency.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this stew gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. You might want to mix it with a little cold water before adding it to the stew to avoid clumping.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, consider freezing the stew for up to 3 months!
Can I Cook This Recipe on the Stovetop?
Yes! If you don’t have a Crock Pot, you can cook this stew on the stovetop. Just follow all the same steps, but after adding the liquid, cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 2-3 hours until the beef is tender, stirring occasionally.
