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For a hearty crock pot beef stew, you will need: - 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can change the flavor by adding these ingredients: - Sweet potatoes for a sweeter taste - Peas for a pop of color and flavor - Celery for extra crunch - Red wine for deeper flavor - Bay leaves for added aroma Each serving of this stew is packed with nutrients. Here's a quick look at what you get: - Calories: Approximately 350 - Protein: 30 grams - Carbohydrates: 35 grams - Fat: 12 grams - Fiber: 4 grams This stew is a great source of protein and fills you up. Enjoy this tasty meal with your family or friends! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cutting the beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes. This helps the meat cook evenly. Next, season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! This is how we build flavor. Searing is key to a great stew. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in batches. Brown all sides for about 4 to 5 minutes. This step seals in the juices and adds depth. After browning, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and clear. Now, add the beef back to the skillet. Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything well. This mixture is full of flavor! Next, transfer this mix to your crock pot. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and 4 cups of beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. You can cook the stew on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Both methods will make the beef tender and the veggies soft. If you want it ready sooner, use the high setting. If you have more time, low and slow is best for flavor. Seasoning can make or break your stew. Start with salt and pepper. Use them generously on the beef. This helps flavor the meat as it cooks. Dried herbs like thyme and rosemary work great too. These herbs add depth. If you want a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne. Always taste your stew before serving. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. A thicker stew feels heartier. To thicken your stew, you can use cornstarch. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into your stew 30 minutes before serving. Cook on high for that time. This will help the stew thicken up nicely. Remember, if you prefer a thinner stew, skip the cornstarch. For this recipe, you need a few key tools. A large skillet is great for browning the beef. Use a spatula to flip the meat easily. A good knife helps chop the vegetables quickly. You’ll need a crock pot for long cooking. A ladle is handy for serving the stew. Lastly, have measuring spoons ready for precise seasoning. These tools will make your cooking smooth and fun! Pro Tips Brown the Beef: For enhanced flavor, make sure to sear the beef cubes until they are well browned. This caramelization adds depth to your stew. Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, substitute dried herbs with fresh ones. Fresh thyme and rosemary can elevate the taste of your stew significantly. Layer Your Ingredients: When adding ingredients to the crock pot, layer the vegetables at the bottom and the meat on top. This ensures even cooking and prevents the meat from drying out. Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, remember to add the cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. This allows for better control over the stew's consistency. {{image_2}} You can swap beef for hearty vegetables. Use mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas. Start with the same base. Use four cups of vegetable broth instead of beef broth. For flavor, add soy sauce and more herbs. You can still enjoy that warm, cozy stew! Try chicken or turkey as alternatives to beef. Cut the chicken or turkey into bite-sized pieces. Cook the same way as beef. You can also use plant-based proteins like tempeh or tofu. Each option brings a unique taste to your stew. Feel free to mix and match veggies. Add sweet potatoes or butternut squash for sweetness. You can use green beans or peas for a fresh crunch. For a spicy kick, toss in some diced jalapeños. Don't forget to adjust the seasonings to match your new ingredients! You can store leftover beef stew in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. This helps keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it in a few days. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. To freeze beef stew, pour it into a freezer-safe bag or container. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand. Label it with the date and type of stew. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. When reheating, use the stove or microwave. For the stove, heat it in a pot over medium heat. Stir often and heat until it’s hot. If you use a microwave, put it in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Make sure it's hot all the way through before serving. You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth. Both add rich flavor. If you want a heartier taste, try using water with soy sauce. This mix gives a nice umami flavor. You can also use mushroom broth for a unique twist. Yes, you can cook the stew on ultra-low heat overnight. This slow cooking method makes the beef very tender. Just make sure to use a reliable crock pot. It should cook safely for up to 10 hours. To adjust the spice level, add more black pepper or red pepper flakes. Start with a small pinch and taste as you go. If you want it milder, reduce the spices. You can also add a bit of sugar to balance heat. Yes, you can make this stew gluten-free. Use gluten-free beef broth and check your Worcestershire sauce. Many brands offer gluten-free options. For thickening, use cornstarch instead of flour. This keeps the stew thick and delicious without gluten. In this post, we covered the essential ingredients for a great crock pot beef stew. You learned how to prep beef, sear it well, and combine flavors. We shared tips for optimal seasoning and thickness, plus handy tools to use. There are also fun variations for vegetarian options and ingredient swaps. Cooking is about enjoying food, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Perfecting your stew can be a rewarding journey. Trust your taste, and enjoy every bite!

Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew

A comforting and hearty beef stew made in a crock pot, perfect for chilly days.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
  • Sear the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches, searing on all sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes). Remove the beef and set aside.
  • Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Combine Ingredients: Add the browned beef back to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Mix well.
  • Transfer to Crock Pot: Transfer the beef mixture to a crock pot and add the carrots, potatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  • Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the stew 30 minutes before serving. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
  • Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Optional thickening with cornstarch can be adjusted based on preference.
Keyword beef stew, comfort food, crock pot