This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is your best friend on busy nights! Just toss in beef, veggies, and some savory broth, and let the magic happen while you focus on other things.
With its tender meat and hearty flavors, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, I love that I can prep it in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner waiting for me. How neat is that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast is a great choice for this dish, but you can also use round steak or brisket. For a lighter option, try lean beef cuts.
Vegetables: Feel free to swap in other veggies like parsnips or sweet potatoes if you have them. Frozen carrots or peas can work too; just add them later in the cooking time.
Beef Broth: If you want a lighter flavor, use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. Homemade stock adds great depth if you have it available!
Fresh Herbs: If you don’t have dried thyme or rosemary, Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence can be a good substitute to give it a nice aroma and flavor.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Beef Stew?
Browning the meat before it goes into the crock pot is key for flavor. This step adds a nice depth and really enhances the overall taste. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the oil on medium-high in a skillet until hot.
- Add the beef in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
- Brown on each side for about 5 minutes until golden.
If you’re too busy to sear, not to worry! The stew will still be delicious, just a bit less rich.
How Can You Make Sure Your Stew is Just the Right Consistency?
If you like a thicker stew, there’s a simple way to do this. Here’s a quick guide:
- 30 minutes before serving, whisk 2 tablespoons of flour with some cold water to make a slurry.
- Stir this mixture into the stew for a thicker result.
- Cover again and let it cook for the remaining time.
This technique gives your stew a nice consistency, perfect for scooping up with crusty bread!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Busy Nights
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef stew takes about 15-20 minutes to prep. You can then let it cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Perfect for those busy days when you want to set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef stew meat. Brown the meat on all sides for about 5 minutes. This step adds extra flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip it and go straight to the next step!
2. Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot:
Transfer the browned beef to your crock pot. Then, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. These veggies will cook down beautifully and add so much flavor!
3. Mix in the Liquids:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and veggies in the crock pot.
4. Add the Bay Leaf:
Don’t forget the bay leaf! Add it to the crock pot for that wonderful depth of flavor.
5. Let it Cook:
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender, and the veggies will be cooked through.
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, mix the flour with a little cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the stew, cover, and let it cook until thickened.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Garnish the stew with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Now, sit back and enjoy your comforting, easy crock pot beef stew—perfect for busy nights!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If using frozen beef, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight beforehand. If you’re short on time, you can cook it from frozen, but it may take an extra hour on high to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this beef stew gluten-free, simply omit the all-purpose flour and use gluten-free beef broth. You can also use cornstarch as a thickener by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and adding it later in the cooking process.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like celery, peas, or bell peppers. Just remember to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. If using quick-cooking veggies like peas, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to retain their texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
