Savor the rich flavors of a classic crock pot beef stew that warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to create a tender, flavorful dish with minimal effort. Perfect for busy days, simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it do the work while you go about your day. Enjoy a hearty meal that’s sure to please the whole family!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, while the cooking time is 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 280 calories, 20g protein, 15g fat, 18g carbohydrates, and 3g fiber. This is based on a standard serving size for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the beef cubes for about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for another minute.
- Pour the mixture over the beef in the crock pot.
- Add sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot.
- Pour in the beef broth, ensuring all ingredients are covered.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute beef chuck with sirloin or brisket for a different texture. Additionally, use vegetable broth for a lighter version or incorporate other vegetables like peas or green beans for variety.
Serving and Pairings
This beef stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a creamy mashed potato dish.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using lean cuts of meat, which can result in tough stew.
- Not browning the meat, missing out on flavor.
- Overcooking vegetables, making them mushy.
- Skipping the seasoning, leading to bland stew.
- Using low-quality broth.
Helpful Tips
- For a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir in during the last hour of cooking.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or water if it gets too thick.
- Let the stew sit for a few hours or overnight for improved flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it may require additional cooking time and should be added directly to the crock pot without thawing.
What can I do if my stew is too salty?
You can dilute the saltiness by adding more water or broth, or by including diced potatoes to absorb some of the salt.
How do I adjust the recipe for a smaller serving?
Simply halve the ingredient amounts, and adjust the cooking time accordingly, aiming for about 4 hours on low.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors develop beautifully when made in advance, and it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What kind of beef is best for stew?
Beef chuck is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked, but you can also use brisket or short ribs for variation.
Conclusion
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this crock pot beef stew, a meal that’s not only hearty but also easy to prepare. With tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and rich broth, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction that comes with each spoonful!
Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 large carrots sliced
- 3 potatoes diced
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the beef cubes for about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for another minute.
- Pour the mixture over the beef in the crock pot.
- Add sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot.
- Pour in the beef broth, ensuring all ingredients are covered.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
