Beef Stew Crock Pot Recipe

ingredients needed for beef stew

To make a hearty and flavorful beef stew in your crock pot, you’ll need a selection of fresh ingredients that will come together to create a rich, comforting dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat – Cut into 1-inch cubes. Look for well-marbled beef for the best flavor and tenderness.
• 4 large carrots – Peeled and sliced into thick rounds. Carrots add sweetness and texture to the stew.
• 4 medium potatoes – Peeled and cut into chunks. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well as they hold their shape during cooking.
• 1 large onion – Diced. Onions provide a savory base for the stew.
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced. Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma.
• 3 cups beef broth – Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• 1 cup red wine – Optional, but it adds a rich, robust flavor. You can substitute with more beef broth if preferred.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – This helps to thicken the stew and adds a subtle tanginess.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 bay leaves – For a subtle herbal note.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Thyme pairs beautifully with beef and adds an earthy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – Another herb that complements the beef and vegetables.
• Salt and pepper – To taste. Season generously to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For browning the beef before adding it to the crock pot.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – For coating the beef, which helps thicken the stew as it cooks.

step-by-step cooking instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious beef stew in your crock pot. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a flavorful and tender stew.

• Step 1: Prepare the beef – Start by seasoning the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Then, toss the beef cubes in the all-purpose flour, making sure each piece is lightly coated. This will help thicken the stew as it cooks.
• Step 2: Brown the beef – Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the floured beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crock pot.
• Step 3: Sauté the aromatics – In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This will help release their flavors. Once done, add the onions and garlic to the crock pot with the beef.
• Step 4: Add the vegetables – Place the sliced carrots and potato chunks into the crock pot. These vegetables will absorb the flavors of the stew and become tender as they cook.
• Step 5: Add the liquids and seasonings – Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) over the beef and vegetables. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
• Step 6: Slow cook – Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The low and slow cooking process will allow the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Step 7: Check for seasoning – About 30 minutes before the stew is done, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt and pepper to taste, and remove the bay leaves at this point.
• Step 8: Serve – Once the stew is done, give it a final stir and serve it hot. You can garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if desired. Enjoy your hearty beef stew with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

tips for perfecting your beef stew

To ensure your beef stew turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips and tricks that will elevate the flavors and texture of your dish:

• Choose the right cut of beef – Opt for well-marbled cuts like chuck roast or brisket. These cuts have enough fat and connective tissue to break down during the slow cooking process, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can become tough and dry.
• Brown the beef – While it may be tempting to skip this step, browning the beef before adding it to the crock pot is essential for building flavor. The caramelization that occurs during browning adds depth and richness to the stew. Make sure to brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the meat to steam instead of sear.
• Layer the ingredients – When adding ingredients to the crock pot, place the vegetables at the bottom and the browned beef on top. This ensures that the vegetables cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the beef and broth. The beef, being on top, will stay tender and juicy as it cooks.
• Don’t rush the cooking process – For the best results, cook the stew on low for 7-8 hours. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to fully develop. While cooking on high for 4-5 hours is an option, the low and slow method yields a more flavorful and tender stew.
• Thicken the stew – If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Let it rest – Once the stew is done cooking, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the stew to thicken slightly, making for a more cohesive dish.
• Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs – While dried herbs like thyme and rosemary are great for slow cooking, adding a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving can brighten up the dish and add a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Adjust seasoning at the end – Always taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Slow cooking can sometimes mellow out the flavors, so you may need to add a bit more salt, pepper, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to bring everything together.