Crockpot Beef Stew (The Ultimate Comfort Food)

How to make Crockpot Beef Stew

Crockpot Beef Stew is a warm and hearty dish that fills your home with wonderful aromas. It’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something comforting. Follow these simple steps to prepare it yourself.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 3 lbs Boneless Beef Chuck Roast (cut into 1.5 to 2-inch cubes)
• 1.5 tsp Kosher Salt (more to taste)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 large Yellow Onion (chopped)
• 2 stalks Celery (chopped)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1/2 cup Dry Red Wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
• 4 cups Beef Broth (low-sodium)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 4 medium Carrots (peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds)
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
• 1 cup Frozen Peas
• 3 tbsp Cornstarch
• 3 tbsp Cold Water

Directions

1. Prepare the Meat: Pat beef cubes dry with a paper towel. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef until it’s deeply browned on all sides. Once browned, transfer the beef to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.

3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and celery. Cook until they soften, which takes about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.

4. Add Tomato and Wine: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the dry red wine, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Allow the wine to simmer until it reduces by half.

5. Combine Ingredients: Stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

6. Add Remaining Vegetables: Add chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs to the slow cooker. Stir it all to combine.

7. Cook Time: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender.

8. Thicken the Stew: Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew in the slow cooker.

9. Finishing Touches: Cover and cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes, which will thicken the gravy. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Stew

Crockpot Beef Stew is a dish that brings everyone to the table. It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With tender beef, soft potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, it satisfies all your cravings. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze!

• Heartwarming Taste: The combination of tender beef, savory broth, and fresh herbs creates a delicious flavor that warms your soul.
• Easy Preparation: Just throw all your ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or slow weekends.
• Comforting Dish: This stew feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s great for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Nutriment Benefits

Crockpot Beef Stew isn’t just tasty; it also has nutritional benefits:

• Protein: The beef provides a strong source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Veggies like carrots, potatoes, and celery pack in vitamins A, C, and K, along with potassium and fiber.
• Hydration: The broth adds hydration, making it a wonderful option for colder months when we often forget to drink enough fluids.

What to Serve With Crockpot Beef Stew

Crockpot Beef Stew is a great standalone dish, but pairing it with sides can enhance your meal:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of buttered crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the stew.
• Salad: A simple side salad with greens adds a fresh crunch.
• Rice or Quinoa: These grains can soak up the delicious sauce and make the meal even heartier.

How to Store Crockpot Beef Stew

Leftover stew can be stored easily:

• In the Refrigerator: Place any leftovers in an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• In the Freezer: If you wish to keep it longer, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will be good for about 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a pot or microwave.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Crockpot Beef Stew turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the beef adds a depth of flavor that can make a difference in the final taste.
• Proper Cut of Beef: Using a chuck roast is key because it becomes tender over long cooking periods. Avoid lean cuts that can dry out.
• Don’t Overcook Vegetables: If you like your veggies firm, add them later in the cooking process or use quick-cooking vegetables like peas.

Variations

Crockpot Beef Stew can be personalized to fit your tastes:

• Add More Veggies: Try adding turnips, parsnips, or green beans.
• Add Different Herbs: Rosemary and parsley can give your stew a different flavor.
• Use Different Meats: Pork or chicken can provide a unique twist on the traditional beef stew.

FAQs

What can I do if my stew is too salty?

If your stew ends up too salty, you can try adding more vegetables or a peeled potato while it cooks, as they absorb some of the saltiness. Alternatively, adding a little water or broth can help dilute it.

Can I cook it on HIGH if I’m short on time?

Yes, you can cook Crockpot Beef Stew on HIGH for about 4-5 hours instead of LOW for 8-10 hours. Be sure the beef is tender before serving.

Can I skip the wine?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or even grape juice mixed with a little vinegar for acidity.