5 Easy Steps to Make Beef Stew Recipe Crock Pot

Discover the comfort of homemade cooking with this foolproof beef stew recipe crock pot that fills your home with incredible aromas. This hands-off approach delivers tender, fall-apart beef and perfectly cooked vegetables with minimal effort required.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 4 medium carrots, sliced thick
• 3 large potatoes, chunked
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water

Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Cut beef into uniform cubes and chop all vegetables. Season beef generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Layer in Crock Pot
Add beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and celery to your slow cooker. Sprinkle garlic, thyme, and paprika over top.

Step 3: Create the Base
Stir tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce into beef broth. Pour mixture over ingredients and add bay leaves.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is fork-tender.

Step 5: Thicken and Serve
Remove bay leaves, stir in cornstarch mixture during last 30 minutes. Let thicken before serving hot.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (6 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 24g

Healthier Alternatives

• Use lean beef stew meat instead of chuck roast to reduce fat content
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for lower carbs
• Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or green beans for more nutrients
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt intake

Serving Suggestions

This hearty beef stew recipe crock pot pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, buttered biscuits, or cornbread. Serve over rice or egg noodles for an even more filling meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding vegetables too early – they become mushy; add root vegetables after 2 hours
• Not browning the meat first – while optional, browning adds deeper flavor
• Lifting the lid frequently – releases heat and extends cooking time
• Skipping the thickening step – results in watery, thin stew

Storing Tips

Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. This beef stew recipe crock pot freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently on stovetop.

Conclusion

Master this simple beef stew recipe crock pot for effortless weeknight dinners that taste like you’ve been cooking all day. Start your slow cooker this morning and come home to comfort food perfection!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this beef stew recipe crock pot without browning the meat?
A: Absolutely! While browning adds flavor, you can skip this step for convenience without sacrificing too much taste.

Q: How do I prevent vegetables from getting mushy in my beef stew recipe crock pot?
A: Add harder vegetables like carrots and potatoes after 2 hours of cooking, and softer ones during the last hour.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in this beef stew recipe crock pot?
A: Yes, but add frozen vegetables during the last 1-2 hours to prevent overcooking and maintain texture.

Q: What’s the best cut of beef for a beef stew recipe crock pot?
A: Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender during slow cooking, but beef stew meat or bottom round also work well.

Q: How can I make my beef stew recipe crock pot thicker?
A: Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.