The weather is turning crisp, leaves are falling, and there’s a comforting aroma wafting through the kitchen, oh yes, it must be time for beef stew. This classic dish not only warms the soul but also packs a punch of nutrients, including a hearty dose of protein and vitamins from the veggies. Picture tender beef simmered with savory herbs, merging with the luscious flavors of red wine (if you choose) and hearty vegetables. If you’re ready to dive into a big bowl of cozy goodness, let’s get started.
Crockpot Beef Stew
A warming and hearty crockpot beef stew, packed with nutrients and rich flavors that are perfect for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for searing
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the beef and chop the vegetables into uniform pieces.
- Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, add a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the beef until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the beef to the crockpot, then add the chopped vegetables, tomato paste, dried herbs, beef broth, and red wine if using.
- Stir to combine, then cover the crockpot. Cook on low for 480 minutes or on high for 240-300 minutes until fork-tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
For added flavor, deglaze the pan with broth or wine after searing the beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Why This Crockpot Beef Stew Never Fails
When the thermometer drops, there’s nothing more satisfying than a robust stew bubbling away in your slow cooker. There’s some magic in watching simple ingredients transform into a sumptuous meal with minimal effort. This crockpot beef stew recipe is reliable and uncomplicated, designed for those busy weekdays when you’re juggling life’s many demands. Trust me, you’ll want leftovers, so let’s assemble the ingredients and gear up for a cozy cooking session.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for searing
Step-by-Step Method
Start by trimming excess fat from the beef and chopping the vegetables into uniform pieces. A tip here is to keep the potato sizes consistent; this ensures even cooking.
Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; seasoning before searing really elevates the flavor.
In a skillet, add a splash of olive oil and place it over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides. This step isn’t just about color; it’s key to developing deep flavor.
Transfer the beef to your crockpot, then add in the chopped vegetables, tomato paste, dried herbs, beef broth, and red wine if you’re using it. The wine enhances the overall depth immensely.
Give everything a gentle stir to combine, then cover the crockpot. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until everything is fork-tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or a side of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up those flavorful juices.
Nutrition Breakdown
With a serving size that typically yields about 6 servings, this hearty beef stew comes in around 350 calories per serving. You’re also treating yourself to approximately 30g of protein, 40g of carbs, 10g of fat, and 3g of fiber—making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
Rich in iron from the beef and packed with fiber from the vegetables, this dish serves as an excellent energy booster, perfect for those chilly days when you need a little extra warmth and sustenance.
Perfect Pairings
To serve this stew best, ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a classic crusty baguette or buttery mashed potatoes. For a side salad, a simple mixed greens with vinaigrette lightens the meal, making it delightful for family gatherings or cozy evenings around the fireplace.
How to Store It Right
Leftovers can be a blessing. Store any extra stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’d like to hold on to it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently on the stove until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if it seems a little thick.
Freshness Tip
When storing, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the stew before sealing the lid. This will help prevent a crust from forming and keep it moist!
Expert Tips
Sear for Success: Always sear your beef properly. It not only adds color but also a rich flavor base thanks to the Maillard reaction.
Herb Power: Fresh herbs are great, but dried ones work perfectly in this stew. If you’re using fresh herbs, add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
Wine Infusion: If you decide to skip the wine, increase the beef broth slightly. The flavor depth will still remain robust.
Thickening Tricks: If you fancy a thicker stew, try mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it in during the last hour of cooking.
Flavor Accents: For an added flavor kick, toss in a bay leaf or a spoonful of Worcestershire sauce.
Flavor Experiments
Seasonal Twist: In fall, add diced butternut squash for a sweeter balance and a pop of color.
Gourmet Upgrade: For a gourmet touch, throw in some wild mushrooms; they impart an earthy depth that transforms the dish.
Playful Variation: Substitute the potatoes with sweet potatoes or even parsnips for a lovely twist on textures and tastes!
Learn from My Mistakes
Overcrowding the Pot: Avoid packing too much beef or vegetables in the crockpot; this can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts.
Neglecting Seasoning: Skipping adequate seasoning can yield a bland stew. Give it a good taste-test before serving.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on high might tempt you if you’re in a hurry, but low and slow yields the best tenderness.
Forgetting to Deglaze: If you sear your beef, don’t miss deglazing the pan with a bit of broth or wine afterward to capture all those lovely browned bits.
Disregarding Resting Time: Allowing the stew to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving lets flavors meld beautifully.
What to Do with Leftovers
Savory Beef Tacos: Shred leftover beef and serve in corn tortillas with avocado, onion, and cilantro.
Breakfast Hash: Chop the stew into pieces and toss it into a skillet with diced potatoes and bell peppers for a quick brunch hash.
Stew-Scented Soup: Transform it into a soup by adding extra broth and any additional vegetables you have on hand.
Quick Questions
Can I make this stew without red wine?
Absolutely! You can either omit it entirely or substitute it with additional beef broth for a similar depth of flavor.
How do I know when the beef stew is done?
The beef should be fork-tender and easily shredded when the stew is done cooking. A taste test is always best!
Can I use frozen vegetables in the stew?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be added straight to the crockpot. Just keep in mind they may release extra moisture.
How can I enhance the flavor of my beef stew?
Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for added depth and warmth.
There you have it! A cozy, mouth-watering crockpot beef stew that will become a staple in your home. Now, get out there and let the slow cooker work its magic while you enjoy your day!