Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Introduction
There’s something magical about a slow-cooked beef stew that warms both body and soul. This classic Crock Pot Beef Stew recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, comforting meal that will have your entire family eagerly gathering around the dinner table. Perfect for chilly evenings and busy weekdays, this stew is a foolproof way to create a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low setting)
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 people
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Stew
- 2.5 pounds chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 large carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Stage
- Meat Preparation:
- Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels
- Mix flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl
- Coat beef cubes thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture
- Browning the Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Brown meat in batches, creating a beautiful golden crust
- Transfer browned meat to slow cooker
- Vegetable Prep:
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes
- Add to slow cooker with browned meat
- Chop carrots and celery, add to slow cooker
- Halve baby potatoes, add to the mixture
Cooking Stage
- Liquid and Seasoning:
- Pour beef broth over ingredients
- Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste
- Sprinkle remaining salt, pepper, thyme
- Add bay leaves and Worcestershire sauce
- Gently stir to combine all ingredients
- Slow Cooking:
- Cover slow cooker
- Cook on LOW for 8 hours
- Meat should be tender and falling apart
- Remove bay leaves before serving
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
Pro Tips
- Use chuck roast for maximum tenderness
- Brown meat before slow cooking for deeper flavor
- Don’t rush the cooking process – slow and low is key
- Can be stored in refrigerator for 3-4 days
- Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour
- Vegetable Options: Add mushrooms or parsnips
- Spicy Version: Include red pepper flakes
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Beef Stew is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary hug that brings comfort and joy to your dining experience. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect recipe for anyone seeking a delicious, stress-free dinner solution. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for meal prep options, this stew promises to become a cherished recipe in your collection. 🥘