This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is the perfect cozy meal. It’s packed with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and peas all simmered together until they’re full of flavor!
There’s something magical about coming home to the smell of this stew cooking. I love pouring it over some crusty bread for a truly warm dish. Perfect for chilly days! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Look for chuck roast, as it becomes tender during slow cooking. If you want a lighter option, you can use turkey or chicken thighs, but the cooking time will be shorter.
Carrots & Potatoes: These are classic stew veggies. You can swap carrots for parsnips or sweet potatoes for added sweetness. Any kind of potatoes work, but I love using Yukon Gold for their creaminess.
Onion: A yellow onion is perfect for adding flavor, but you could use shallots or even a leek if you prefer. They’ll give a different, but lovely taste to the stew.
Tomato Paste: This adds richness. You can also use canned diced tomatoes or even a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Beef Browning?
Browning the beef is crucial for flavor. If you skip this step, you’ll miss out on extra depth. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a large skillet and make sure it’s hot before adding olive oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; brown in batches to get that nice crust. Each batch takes about 5 minutes.
- Let the beef sit without stirring for a minute or two to form that golden crust.
Once browned, transfer the beef directly to your crock pot for a hearty stew. This step is worth the few extra minutes!
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crock pot beef stew requires about 20 minutes for prep work and then you’ll need to let it simmer. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, making this a great set-it-and-forget-it meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef:
Start by placing the beef cubes in a large bowl. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and toss until all the pieces are coated evenly. This helps to thicken your stew later. Season with a little salt and pepper for extra flavor.
2. Browning the Meat:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, brown the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook each batch for about 5 minutes or until they are a nice golden-brown color. Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot when done.
3. Adding the Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to add the veggies! In the crock pot, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the browned beef.
4. Mixing the Broth:
Next, pour in the beef broth, and add the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients so they’re evenly distributed.
5. Cooking the Stew:
Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You want the beef to become tender and the vegetables to be cooked through.
6. Adding the Peas:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, gently stir in the frozen peas. Make sure to remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid an unpleasant bite.
7. Final Touches:
Give your stew a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Once everything is seasoned to your liking, it’s time to serve!
8. Serving the Stew:
Serve the hot beef stew in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. This stew is perfect with some crusty bread on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your comforting and hearty crock pot beef stew, perfect for any cozy meal! 🥣
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Can I Use Frozen Beef Stew Meat?
Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat! Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. If you’re short on time, you can also place the sealed package in cold water for a quick thaw. Brown the beef in the skillet once thawed for added flavor!
How Do I Substitute Different Vegetables?
Feel free to customize the veggies to your liking! You can substitute carrots with parsnips or sweet potatoes. If you prefer other veggies, consider adding green beans or bell peppers. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so add firmer veggies earlier in the cooking process.
How Long Does Leftover Stew Last?
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the stew, where it can last for up to 3 months! Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Flour?
Absolutely! If you want to skip the flour for a gluten-free option, you can thicken the stew at the end with cornstarch mixed in a little cold water or use a gluten-free flour blend before browning the meat. Just stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking!