Crockpot Beef Stew is a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly days! With tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and a rich broth, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
The best part? Just toss everything in the pot and let it cook while you go about your day. When you come back, it’s ready to enjoy—easy peasy!
I love how the flavors blend together as it cooks. It’s even better the next day, so I always make extra for leftovers. What’s not to love? 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is ideal for stews because it becomes tender during long cooking. If you prefer, you can use brisket or round for a leaner option. Just remember, tougher cuts give you that melt-in-your-mouth goodness when cooked slowly!
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and texture. If you don’t have them, you can use frozen mixed vegetables or parsnips for a unique twist. I love the added sweetness parsnips bring to the dish!
Potatoes: Russet potatoes work well for their fluffiness. If you want to skip them, try sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor, or even turnips for a low-carb alternative.
Beef Broth: Homemade beef broth is the best, but store-bought works great too. You can substitute chicken broth for a lighter flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Just adjust your spices for seasoning.
Herbs: Fresh herbs really elevate the stew. If you don’t have thyme or rosemary, Italian seasoning works in a pinch, or even just fresh parsley can brighten up the whole dish!
How Can I Brown the Beef for Extra Flavor?
Browning the beef adds a rich, deep flavor, but it can be skipped if you’re short on time. If you do choose to brown it, here’s how:
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the beef cubes in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan—do it in batches if necessary.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning until all sides are nicely browned. This step is key to developing flavor!
- Transfer browned beef to the crockpot before adding veggies and broth.
Don’t worry if you skip this step; the slow cooking will still give you a delicious stew! Just remember, browning builds that extra layer of taste!
How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 3 ribs of celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef, optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crockpot beef stew will require approximately 15 minutes of prep time and will cook for either 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high. Plan ahead to enjoy a warm and hearty meal without much effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef (Optional):
If you want to enhance the flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes to the skillet and brown them on all sides for about 4-5 minutes. If you prefer to skip this step for convenience, you can add the raw beef directly to the crockpot.
2. Prepare the Crockpot:
Once the beef is browned (or if you skipped that part), transfer the beef to the crockpot. It’s time to add those tasty vegetables!
3. Add the Vegetables:
In the crockpot, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, diced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic. This mix will create a delicious base for your stew!
4. Mix in the Liquids and Seasoning:
Pour in the beef broth, and add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients nicely.
5. Set and Cook:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. Choose low heat for 8-10 hours, or high heat for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. The longer cooking time enhances the flavors!
6. Finishing Touches:
Once your stew is ready, remember to take out the bay leaf. Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you’d like.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your hearty beef stew hot, and if you’d like, garnish it with some fresh parsley. Enjoy a comforting meal that’s perfect for any day!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for stews due to its marbling and tenderness when cooked low and slow, you can substitute it with other cuts like brisket or round steak. Just ensure to cut them into similar-sized cubes and adjust your cooking time slightly if needed.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can add vegetables like peas, green beans, or mushrooms. Just remember to add quicker-cooking vegetables, like peas, in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, consider portioning them out for easier reheating later!
Can I Thicken the Stew?
Yes, if you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the stew to naturally thicken it.
