This hearty beef stew made in a crock pot is simply warm and comforting. With tender beef, tasty vegetables, and rich broth, it’s the ultimate cozy meal!
Crock pots really make life easy, don’t they? Just toss in everything, go about your day, and come home to a delicious dinner! It’s practically a hug in a bowl! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for stews because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. You can also use brisket or round for a leaner option. Just be sure to check for cooking times if you switch.
Carrots: I love adding large chunks of carrots for sweetness. If you’re looking for a change, parsnips or sweet potatoes can be great substitutes that add unique flavors.
Potatoes: Yellow potatoes are the best for a creamy texture. If you’re avoiding nightshades, you can try using cauliflower for a low-carb alternative that still absorbs flavors well.
Broth: Beef broth adds richness, but if you’re short on time, feel free to use vegetable broth or even water, just know it will be less flavorful. Don’t forget to season well if you use water!
Flour: Coating the beef in flour helps thicken the stew. For a gluten-free option, you could use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, just make sure to mix it with a bit of water first.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Tender Beef Stew?
Getting your beef to that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness is key to a great stew. Here are the steps to make sure your beef is just right!
- Pat and Season: Make sure to dry the beef with a paper towel before seasoning and dusting with flour. This helps it brown better!
- Searing: Don’t skip this step! Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to your stew. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of sear.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on low for 7-8 hours lets the collagen in the beef break down, leading to tenderness. Don’t rush it; patience pays off!
- Resting: After cooking, let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together even more.
With these tips, you’ll create a delicious stew that will warm hearts and bellies!
The Best Tender Beef Stew Crock Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Beef: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- Vegetables:
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 5 medium yellow potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquid & Flavors:
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Coating: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil: 2 tbsp olive oil
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste
- Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Time Estimate:
This delicious beef stew takes about 20 minutes to prep and then cooks in the crock pot for 7 to 8 hours on low (or 4 to 5 hours on high). So, gather your ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the magic while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by patting the beef cubes dry with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt and pepper, then toss them in the flour until they are evenly coated. This step is important for adding flavor and helping the beef brown nicely!
2. Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured beef cubes in batches. Sear each batch for about 3-4 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Transfer the browned beef into your crock pot as you go—this adds so much flavor!
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and softened. Then, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for one more minute before pouring the mixture over the beef in the crock pot.
4. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Now, stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves directly into the crock pot with the beef. This will build a rich, savory base for your stew.
5. Add Vegetables:
Place the chopped carrots and potatoes on top of the beef mixture. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, but it’s okay if the veggies sit on top for now!
6. Slow Cook:
Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
7. Final Touches:
Once cooked, carefully remove the bay leaves before adjusting the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. The flavors should be wonderful and the stew thick and hearty!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of your tender beef stew—it’s perfect for any occasion!
This recipe will surely become a family favorite. Happy cooking! 🍲
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for stews due to its tenderness when slow-cooked, you can also use brisket or round. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the cut.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No problem! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch to coat the beef. Just mix the cornstarch with a little cold water before adding it to the beef to help it adhere.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or even water. If using water, make sure to adjust the seasoning with extra salt and spices to enhance the flavor.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding other vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or celery. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on what you add, especially with quick-cooking veggies.
