This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is perfect for chilly evenings! Tender beef, hearty veggies, and flavorful broth simmer together for a warm hug in a bowl.
I love coming home to this comforting dish after a long day. Just toss everything in the pot and let it work its magic—it’s so simple! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: I recommend using chuck beef for its tenderness after slow cooking. If you’re looking for something leaner, sirloin can work, but it may not be as tender. You could also use lamb for a different flavor.
Carrots and Potatoes: These veggies add heartiness. You can switch out carrots for parsnips or sweet potatoes for a twist. Just keep in mind the cooking time as different vegetables soften at different rates!
Red Wine: Optional for added depth. You can skip it completely or substitute with more beef broth or even grape juice for a non-alcoholic version. It won’t have the same richness, but still delicious.
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary are classic, but feel free to experiment! Herbs like oregano or bay leaves can change the taste without overpowering. Fresh herbs are always a nice touch if you have them.
How Do I Get the Beef Perfectly Tender?
The secret to tender beef in this stew lies in slow cooking. Browning the meat first adds flavor and helps seal in juices. Remember not to rush it; low and slow is the way to go!
- Start by browning the beef cubes on medium-high heat. This builds a great base flavor.
- After you add everything to the crock pot, let it cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Don’t peek too often as it can release heat!
- Check for tenderness by trying to flake the beef with a fork—if it breaks apart easily, it’s perfect!
Enjoy the cozy meals this stew will bring to your table! Perfect on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas (added near the end)
For Frying:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew takes about 15 minutes to prep and then you let it simmer away! It will need to cook for either 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, so just set it and let your crock pot do the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to your crock pot. This step adds a nice flavor!
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté for about 3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onions turn translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
3. Adding to the Crock Pot:
Now, transfer the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker with the beef. Add in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine!
4. Cooking the Stew:
Cover the crock pot and let it cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is tender, and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Thickening the Broth:
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the all-purpose flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew to thicken the broth. This will give your stew that comforting, hearty consistency!
6. Finishing Touches:
In the last half hour of cooking, add the frozen peas to the stew. They add a lovely pop of color and sweetness! After everything is done, remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serving:
Garnish your stew with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve it hot with some crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a truly cozy dinner!
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Crock Pot Beef Stew!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen beef stew meat. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly before adding it to the crock pot. If it’s too frozen to brown, you can place it in the crock pot directly, but extend the cooking time to ensure it cooks through.
What Can I Substitute for Red Wine?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can simply substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth or even grape juice for a non-alcoholic option. The stew will still be flavorful and delicious!
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stew the night before and store it in the refrigerator before cooking. Just let it sit out for 30 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker, and reduce the cooking time slightly if starting with cold ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. If it thickens too much upon cooling, feel free to add a little beef broth or water to loosen it up!
