Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: crock pot beef stew! It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, and trust me, it’s so easy to whip up. I remember the first time I made it—I was a bit nervous, but it turned out perfectly! The best part? You just throw everything into the crock pot and let it do its magic while you go about your day. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors, this stew is not only simple but also a crowd-pleaser. I promise, you’ll love how effortless this recipe is!

Ingredients List

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups beef broth
4 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Prepare Instructions

Now, let’s dive into how to make this delicious crock pot beef stew! It’s all about layering those flavors and letting the slow cooker do its thing. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy!

Step 1: Brown the Beef

First things first, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. This step is super important because browning the beef adds a lovely depth of flavor to your stew. Toss in those beef cubes and cook them until they’re nicely browned on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll love that sizzling sound!

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the beef is browned, it’s time to get everything into the crock pot! Start by adding the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Layering the vegetables in this order helps them cook evenly and soak up all that beefy goodness.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is combined well. This mixture is going to bring everything together and infuse those flavors throughout the stew.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Now, pour that delicious broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot. Cover it up and set your cooker to either low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, depending on your schedule. The low setting is great for flavor development, but if you’re in a pinch, high works too! Just let it work its magic, and you’ll be rewarded with a warm, comforting stew that’s ready when you are.

Tips for Success

To make sure your crock pot beef stew turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of water and add it during the last hour of cooking. It’ll give your stew that hearty, rich texture we all love! Also, don’t hesitate to get creative with your veggies—add in some green beans, bell peppers, or even mushrooms if they tickle your fancy. Just remember to chop them into similar sizes as your other ingredients for even cooking. And here’s a little secret: let your stew sit for a bit after cooking; the flavors really deepen when it rests! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your crock pot beef stew is super easy! Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, which is perfect for enjoying leftovers later in the week. When you’re ready to dig in again, you have a couple of great options for reheating. If you have the time, I recommend warming it on the stove over medium heat. Just stir occasionally until it’s heated through, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works just fine too! Pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat on high for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just be careful—it can get hot quickly! Enjoy your cozy stew again and again!

FAQ Section

I know you might have a few questions about making this crock pot beef stew, so let’s tackle some common ones! First off, if you need to make it gluten-free, just swap out the beef broth for a gluten-free version—easy peasy! As for substitutions, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef if that’s what you have on hand. Don’t worry if you don’t have a specific vegetable; feel free to mix and match based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge. If you want to adjust cooking times, remember that cooking on low for 8 hours really allows those flavors to develop, but you can certainly cook it on high for 4 hours if you’re in a rush. Just keep an eye on the meat—it should be fork-tender when it’s done!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note: the nutritional values for this crock pot beef stew can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s what you can typically expect for one serving (about 1 cup): around 350 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Always feel free to adjust based on your own ingredients and dietary needs!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless preparation—just toss everything in the crock pot!
Hearty and comforting, perfect for chilly days or family dinners.
Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day!
Customizable with your favorite veggies—tailor it to your taste!
Rich, flavorful broth that warms the soul.

Delicious crock pot beef stew
Learn more about the nutritional benefits of beef.

Crock Pot Beef Stew: 4 Simple Steps to Comfort Food Bliss

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and hearty crock pot beef stew recipe perfect for beginners.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Brown the beef cubes on all sides, then transfer to the crock pot.
Add the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crock pot.
In a bowl, mix beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Stir before serving and enjoy your stew!

Notes

For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water and add it in the last hour of cooking.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American