This hearty crockpot beef stew is the perfect comfort meal! It’s filled with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and tasty seasonings that make it so cozy and inviting.
Cooking in a crockpot means you can set it and forget it—great news for busy days! I love coming home to that delightful smell; it makes dinner feel extra special! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast is my favorite for this dish because it gets tender after slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try sirloin, though it might not be as tender.
Red Wine: This adds depth of flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, beef broth is a great substitute. You can also use grape juice for a sweet touch without alcohol.
Vegetables: You can change up the veggies based on what you have! Sweet potatoes can be swapped for regular potatoes, and you could add parsnips or green beans for variation.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary bring freshness to the stew. If you only have dried herbs, just reduce the amount by half, as dried spices are more concentrated.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Browned Beef?
Browning the beef is important to develop rich flavor. Here’s how:
- Make sure you pat the beef dry to help it brown. Extra moisture will steam it instead of searing.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; browning in batches is key to achieving that golden crust.
- Keep the heat at medium-high, but adjust if you see it smoking, as you want a nice sear without burning.
How Can I Thicken My Stew?
If you want a thicker stew at the end, here are a couple of ways to do it:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before it’s done.
- Another technique is to mash some of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot to release their starch, which naturally thickens the stew.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew that everyone will love! Enjoy!
How to Make Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional; can substitute with extra beef broth)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew requires about 20 minutes of prep time and then it cooks for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in the crockpot. Perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a warm and inviting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by patting the beef stew meat dry with paper towels. This step helps it brown nicely. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika together. Toss the beef cubes in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated.
2. Brown the Meat:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches so they aren’t crowded, and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crockpot.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic to the crockpot with the beef.
4. Add Other Ingredients:
Pour the beef broth and red wine (if using) into the crockpot. Then, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped celery, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir everything together to ensure it’s well mixed.
5. Cook the Stew:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The stew is ready when the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Final Touches:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas for a pop of color and flavor. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.
Enjoy your warm, delicious Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew! It’s sure to be a family favorite!
FAQ for Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Stew?
Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Never put frozen meat directly into the crockpot, as it can affect cooking time and food safety.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like or have on hand. Options like mushrooms, parsnips, or even green beans work well. Just chop them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. For longer storage, consider freezing the stew for up to 3 months—just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion.
Can I Use Less Salt in This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely reduce the salt to suit your taste or dietary needs. Keep in mind that the flavors might be milder, so you may want to adjust the seasoning at the end after tasting!
