Beef Stew Crock Pot

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Beef Stew Crock Pot

If you're looking for an easy, comforting, and flavorful recipe to make in your Crock Pot, look no further! This Beef Stew is exactly what you need. Perfect for warm dinners and, above all, hassle-free, this recipe will help you treat your family or friends to a delicious and nutritious dish that’s slow-cooked to achieve a tender, juicy texture. So, let’s get cooking!

Beef Stew Crock Pot

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hrs in the Crock Pot

Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (slow cooking)

Ingredients:

2 lbs (900 g) beef stew meat, cut into cubes
4 cups (960 ml) beef broth
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tablespoons (30 ml) tomato paste
1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme
1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried rosemary
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
2 tablespoons (30 ml) flour for thickening
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
1 cup (240 ml) frozen peas (optional)

Equipment Needed:

Crock Pot (slow cooker)
Skillet for browning the meat
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon

See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.

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Did You Know?

Did you know beef stew has so many variations that almost every region in the world has its own version? From Beef Bourguignon in France to Gulyás in Hungary, the idea of slow-cooking meat with vegetables is universal. Also, in some countries, the word "stew" comes from the Old English word "stewan," meaning "to boil or cook slowly."

Instructions

Brown the meat: Let’s get started! Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the beef cubes in a single layer without crowding them so they brown evenly. Brown the meat on all sides for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until it develops a deep brown color and is well-sealed. This helps lock in the juices and boost flavor. Set the meat aside for now.
Sauté onion and garlic: Using the same skillet with the meat drippings, add the chopped onion and minced garlic—you’ll love the aroma this creates. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft and the garlic releases its fragrance, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add tomato paste: Next, stir in the tomato paste with the onion and garlic mixture. Mix well to combine and cook for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavor and cook off any raw taste—your kitchen will already smell amazing!
Transfer to the Crock Pot: Time for the Crock Pot! Transfer the browned meat, along with the onion, garlic, and tomato paste mixture, into your Crock Pot. This allows all the flavors to meld and slowly cook to perfection—delicious results ahead!
Add vegetables and seasonings: Now add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly and make sure most of the ingredients are covered by the liquid for even cooking and great flavor.

Cook slowly: Patience is key! Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 8 hours. This time frame is perfect for tenderizing the meat and blending the flavors beautifully—you’ll see the beef fall apart easily when it’s done.
Prepare the thickener: This is important, don’t skip it. In a small bowl, mix the flour with a bit of cold water (2 to 3 tablespoons) until smooth with no lumps. This will thicken the stew without changing its flavor.
Thicken the stew: About 30 minutes before cooking ends, add the flour and water mixture to the Crock Pot. Stir gently but thoroughly to incorporate and let the stew thicken as it continues to cook.
Add peas (optional): If you decide to use frozen peas, add them during the last 10 minutes so they cook just enough to keep their texture and color.
Serve and enjoy: All done! Let it cool slightly, then serve the stew hot with your favorite bread or side dish. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal!

Ingredient Substitutions:

Beef stew meat: you can use chicken pieces or pork for a different version.
Beef broth: you can also substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a milder flavor.
Potatoes: potatoes can be swapped out for sweet potatoes or yams for a touch of sweetness.
Frozen peas: these can be omitted or replaced with green beans or extra carrots.
Flour for thickening: here you can use cornstarch dissolved in water as a gluten-free alternative.

Prep Tips:

Properly browning and sealing the meat before putting it in the slow cooker really intensifies the flavor.
Try to avoid opening the lid of your Crock Pot during cooking to maintain heat and the correct cooking time.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more flour or cornstarch dissolved about 30 minutes before finishing.
Vegetables that cook for a long time can fall apart; to avoid this, add more delicate ones at the end.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end, since the broth may already contain added sodium.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Dietary Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: 600 mg

Nutritional Benefits:

This beef stew provides a great source of lean protein essential for muscle repair and energy. The vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas offer complex carbs and fiber that aid digestion and help keep you full. Herbs like thyme and rosemary have antioxidant properties that support immune health. Plus, olive oil adds healthy fats that benefit heart health. It’s truly a nourishing choice!

History or Inspiration Behind the Recipe:

Beef stew is a classic home-cooked dish that has been enjoyed across generations and cultures. Originally created as a way to make affordable cuts of meat stretch and feed more people, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a deep, comforting flavor. The Crock Pot version has become popular because of its convenience, allowing the magic of slow cooking to transform tough meat into a tender, juicy delight.

Serving Suggestions:

Crunchy bread like a baguette or rustic loaf for dipping into the sauce.
White or brown rice for a more complete and comforting meal.
Fresh salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the warm stew.
Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for a creamy texture alongside the stew.
A glass of red wine or dark beer to pair with the intense flavors.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a Crock Pot? Yes, of course! Adjust the time to about 45–60 minutes and cook on high pressure.
Can the stew be frozen? Yes, no problem. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw in the fridge before reheating.

What if the stew is too watery? Simply thicken it with a mixture of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water and cook a few more minutes.
Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or turnips work well to enrich the stew.
Is browning the meat necessary? It’s not mandatory, but it greatly improves flavor and texture by sealing in the juices and meat flavors.

Recipe Variations:

Beef Stew with red wine: oh, so delicious! In this version, add 1 cup of dry red wine to the broth for a deeper, more sophisticated flavor.

Spicy Beef Stew: you can include chipotle peppers in adobo or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.

Mexican-style Beef Stew: for lovers of Mexican food, add chopped jalapeños, corn, and a bit of cumin.

Beef Stew with mushrooms: another delicious option—mushrooms make everything better! Just add sliced fresh mushrooms for extra texture and umami flavor.

Vegan Beef Stew: for our vegan friends, substitute the meat with portobello mushrooms and use vegetable broth, no animal ingredients.

Now that you know all the details to make this delicious Beef Stew in your Crock Pot, there’s no excuse not to try it at home! It’s a simple recipe, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion—you just need a little patience! Get inspired to cook it and share it with your loved ones; it will surely become one of your favorite dishes. Happy cooking!

Tastes of La Paz.