Crockpot Beef Stew: Tasty Recipe for Easy Dinner Delights

There’s something almost magical about a simmering pot of beef stew, don’t you think? The aroma wafting through the kitchen makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, a true embrace from the culinary world. I remember my grandma stirring a pot of her famous beef stew while the snow fell gently outside her window. It was the best part of cold winter evenings spent huddled under blankets, sharing stories around the table, with the rich smell of savory beef and herb-laden broth enveloping us like a cozy hug. That’s why I adore making this Crockpot Beef Stew. It not only warms your belly but also warms your heart, creating moments shared with family and friends. Let me share this easy, delicious recipe that has become a go-to in my house!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Weeknight Dinner: Just toss the ingredients into the crockpot, and you’re ready to go!
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizes simple, affordable ingredients that you might already have on hand.
• Comforting Flavors: Hearty and savory, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Minimal Cleanup: One pot does it all, with no mountains of dishes to wash afterward.
• Flexible Ingredients: You can swap in your favorite veggies or proteins.

Ingredients

Let’s get our aprons on and gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 medium potatoes, diced (about 1.5 lbs) – I love using Yukon Gold for their buttery flavor!
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped – sweet onions work best!
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered.
• 4 cups beef broth – homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s low-sodium!
• 1 cup red wine – optional, but it deepens the flavor beautifully.
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme – or 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for browning the meat!
• 1 cup frozen peas (added just before serving for a pop of color)
• Optional: cornstarch to thicken, if desired

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s a simple plan to follow:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown the pieces in batches (don’t crowd them!). This step is vital as it locks in those savory juices!
2. Add to the Crockpot: Once your beef is beautifully browned, transfer it to your crockpot. Don’t forget to scrape any browned bits from the skillet—those add flavor!
3. Chop the Veggies: Next, toss the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic right on top of the beef. Layering the veggies on top helps them cook perfectly without getting mushy.
4. Pour in the Liquids: Add your beef broth, wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. It should smell heavenly already!
5. Set It and Forget It: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The longer, the better for maximum flavor and tenderness! Just let it do its thing while you go about your day.
6. Finish with Peas: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. They give a nice pop of color and freshness to this hearty stew.
7. Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry and stir it in just before serving. Let it cook for another 15 minutes to thicken.

Pro Tips & Variations

If you want to jazz up your stew a bit, here are a few playful suggestions:

• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment! Rosemary or parsley can make delightful additions.
• Heat Things Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice warmth.
• Extra Veggies: Want to sneak in more nutrition? Add green beans, celery, or even parsnips along with the potatoes.
• Diet Swaps: You can easily make this dish gluten-free by swapping out the Worcestershire sauce for a gluten-free version.

Serving Suggestions

Nothing complements Crockpot Beef Stew quite like a crusty slice of sourdough bread or a warm roll to soak up that delicious broth. You might even want to serve it with a simple side salad for a nice crunch. For a cozy night in, pair a bowl of this stew with a glass of red wine—the perfect end to a long day! And don’t forget, the ultimate comfort of cozy socks and a good movie afterwards makes for a delightful evening.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a delightful problem to have), here’s how to keep that wonderful flavor intact:

• Refrigeration: Let your stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, make sure the stew is completely cooled. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. (Just remember to leave some room at the top as it will expand when freezing!)
• Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use other meats besides beef?

Absolutely! Chicken works well, or even pork if you’re feeling adventurous. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary. Chicken will generally take less time than beef.

Can I skip browning the beef?

While browning adds a lovely depth of flavor, you can absolutely skip this step for a quicker method. It will still be tasty, just not as rich!

What if I don’t have a crockpot?

No problem! You can make this stew on the stovetop by simmering it in a large pot for about 2-3 hours. Just make sure to keep it at a low boil and stir occasionally.

How can I make it spicier?

If you’re a heat lover, feel free to add jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the mix. A teaspoon of smoked paprika can also add a nice smokey kick!

Can I add grains like barley or quinoa?

Definitely! Just add them in during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to allow them to soften but not turn mushy.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your go-to recipe for Crockpot Beef Stew that will surely bring warmth and comfort to your table. I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add any special twists or secret ingredients? Please leave a comment below and share your beef stew adventures. Happy cooking!

Crockpot Beef Stew: Tasty Recipe for Easy Dinner Delights

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Discover a savory beef stew in your crockpot with this easy recipe. Perfect for quick dinner delights that everyone will love! 153 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 lbs of beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 medium potatoes, diced (about 1.5 lbs)

3 carrots, sliced

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

4 cups of beef broth

1 cup of red wine

2–3 sprigs of fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 cup of frozen peas

Optional: cornstarch to thicken, if desired

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Instructions

Brown the beef in olive oil over medium-high heat and season with salt and pepper.

Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot and scrape any browned bits from the skillet into the pot.

Add potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic on top of the beef.

Pour in beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, and more salt and pepper.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Stir in frozen peas 30 minutes before serving.

If desired, thicken with a cornstarch slurry before serving.

Notes

A comforting and easy Crockpot Beef Stew that warms your belly and heart, perfect for chilly evenings.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fat: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 35 grams
• Fiber: 6 grams
• Protein: 40 grams

Keywords: Crockpot Beef Stew, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, family meal