There’s nothing like the smell of homemade beef stew in your kitchen. It reminds you of family gatherings and cozy winter nights. This beef stew recipe is easy and perfect for anyone who loves a hearty meal.
Imagine coming home to the smell of tender beef and rich wine. A crock pot beef stew is more than a meal; it’s a cozy experience. It’s easy to make, even for the busiest people, and it’s incredibly satisfying.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Beef Stew
Making a tasty beef stew starts with the Main Ingredients. For this slow cooker beef stew, you’ll need:
- Beef Chuck Roast or Stewing Beef: 2 pounds, cut into cubes
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons, for thickening
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, divided
- Beef Broth: 4 cups, divided
- Diced Potatoes: 3 cups
- Carrots: 2 cups (about 2 large carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Celery: 1 cup (about 3 ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Vegetable Juice: 1 cup (e.g., V8)
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Dried Rosemary: 1 teaspoon or 1 sprig fresh
- Dried thyme leaves: ½ teaspoon or 2 sprigs of fresh thyme.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, for thickening slurry
- Water: 2 tablespoons, mixed with cornstarch for slurry
- Frozen Peas: ¾ cup
Seasonings are key to a great beef stew. Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder create a balanced flavor. Olive oil browns the beef, and vegetable juice and beef broth add to the stew’s rich taste.
Here’s a detailed list of ingredients and their nutritional values per serving:
| Main Ingredient | Quantity | Calories | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Chuck Roast | 2 pounds | 478 | 29 | 45 | 18 | 293 | 3 | 3 |
| All-Purpose Flour | 3 tablespoons | 30 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Carrots | 2 cups | 86 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 60 | 7 | 10 |
| Red Potatoes | 3 cups | 156 | 36 | 4 | 0 | 465 | 4 | 3 |
Preparing the Ingredients
To make a delicious beef stew recipe, start by preparing your ingredients well. First, chop the vegetables into small pieces for even cooking. You’ll need potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 5 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 8 ounces of mushrooms, chopped
This step adds the base of your stew and balances flavors and textures.
Next, season the beef. Toss 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, with flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. The flour helps thicken the stew, while the spices enhance its flavor.
Don’t forget to add minced garlic (2 cloves) for depth and aroma. Use a tablespoon of olive oil to brown the beef. The beef will blend with the vegetables’ sweetness, making a perfect stew.
Here’s a detailed comparison of the nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 467 | 24% |
| Total Fat | 21g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 37% |
| Cholesterol | 69mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 1110mg | 48% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g | 22% |
| Sugars | 8g | N/A |
| Protein | 25g | 51% |
| Vitamin C | 35mg | 39% |
| Calcium | 97mg | 7% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 1245mg | 26% |
Spending time chopping the vegetables and seasoning the beef well ensures a robust flavor profile for your stew. With careful preparation, you’re on your way to enjoying a hearty and wholesome meal.
Browning the Beef
Browning the beef is a crucial step in making your savory beef stew slow cooker recipe better. It enhances the flavor and keeps the meat moist and tender. Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Make sure to brown the beef in batches. This way, each piece has enough room to get a nice crust. This step is important for the meat’s taste and texture.
It’s important not to overcrowd the pan while browning the beef. If you do, the meat might steam instead of browning. Brown each side for 2-3 minutes until it gets a nice, brown crust.
This process adds a rich and complex flavor to your stew. Taking the time to brown the beef makes a big difference. Once it’s all browned, move it to the slow cooker and add the other ingredients.
This step is key to making a savory beef stew that you’ll remember. It’s all about the flavors and how the meat turns out.
Setting up the Crock Pot
Start your easy beef stew crock pot by layering the ingredients for the best flavor. Place the browned beef at the bottom for a strong base.
Then, add a layer of chopped veggies like potatoes, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Mix in vegetable juice and beef broth to cover everything. Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce for a bit of tanginess. Use dried rosemary, thyme, and Italian seasoning for the spices.
Layering is key to cooking the stew right. It makes sure each part cooks evenly, blending flavors perfectly. Your hard work in layering will make the stew delicious and balanced.
Finally, add minced garlic and bay leaf on top. Set the crock pot to LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Let it cook and the beef will become tender and tasty.
Cooking the Beef Stew Recipe Crock Pot Style
Cooking beef stew in a crock pot needs patience and timing. The slow cooker blends flavors over hours, making a comforting dish for any time.
Start by layering the crock pot with fresh veggies. Use one large yellow onion, four large carrots, and one pound of Yukon potatoes. These add flavor and nutrients. Then, add your beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes, totaling three pounds.
Set the crock pot to low heat and cook for 7-8 hours. For a quicker option, use high heat for 4-5 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the beef and mixes the flavors well.
In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with water to thicken the stew. Add frozen peas for extra texture and flavor. This makes the stew hearty and delicious.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content and ingredients per serving for a balanced stew:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 415 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 117 mg |
| Sodium | 1248 mg |
| Potassium | 1176 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 5213 IU |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 54 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
With the right ingredients and timing, making beef stew in a crock pot is rewarding. The final dish is a savory, hearty stew full of flavor and satisfaction.
Final Touches Before Serving
Once your best crock pot beef stew is done, it’s time to tweak it. Start by tasting the stew. Add kosher salt and black pepper if it needs more flavor. This makes sure the taste is just right.
Stir the stew gently to mix everything well. Let it sit for a bit. This helps the flavors blend together, making each bite perfect.
Adding a bit of aged balsamic vinegar can make the flavors even better. It adds a tangy taste that’s exciting.
For a fresh look, garnish with parsley, basil, or tarragon. It not only looks good but also adds a fresh taste. Serve your stew hot for a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Total Fat | 21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 87 mg |
| Sodium | 484 mg |
| Potassium | 665 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 6864 IU |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Calcium | 70 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
Conclusion
Making a delicious beef stew in a crock pot is easy and rewarding. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare. Then, it cooks for 4 to 8 hours, fitting into a busy day.
This stew is good for 4 to 6 people. It has the right mix of protein, carbs, and fats for a healthy meal.
This recipe is simple to prepare and can be tailored to your liking. You can add garlic, thyme, and rosemary, or try different veggies like celery and mushrooms. It’s simple, thanks to just five main ingredients and a few spices.
The long cooking time on low heat makes the flavors blend perfectly. This results in a rich, savory stew.
This beef stew recipe is also great to share. It has been shared 95 times online. It’s a comforting, nutritious meal that can be made ahead and stored for later.
Plus, you can use leftovers to make stew pies, shepherd’s pie, or stew soup. This recipe is a warm, comforting favorite in many kitchens.
FAQ
What type of beef should I use for the beef stew?
Use beef chuck roast or stewing beef for your stew. These cuts are great for slow cooking. They become tender and flavorful over time.
How do I prepare the vegetables for the beef stew?
Cut the potatoes, carrots, celery, and yellow onion into bite-sized pieces. This makes sure they cook evenly and mix well with the other ingredients.
Why do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the crock pot?
Browning the beef in olive oil adds flavor. It also seals in the juices. This makes the stew more flavorful and tender.
What liquids should I use for the base of the stew?
Use vegetable juice and beef broth as the base. They give a rich, meaty flavor that goes well with the beef and vegetables.
How do I ensure my stew is flavorful?
Coat the beef with flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder before browning. Add Worcestershire sauce, dried rosemary, and thyme to the crock pot. This boosts the stew’s flavor.
How should I layer the ingredients in the crock pot?
Place the browned beef at the bottom of the crock pot. Layer the chopped vegetables on top. Then, pour in the vegetable juice and beef broth. Finally, add Worcestershire sauce, dried rosemary, and thyme for even flavor.
How long should I cook the beef stew in the slow cooker?
Cook the stew on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Wait until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
What are the final touches before serving the stew?
Sample the stew and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Add fresh herbs or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor. Serve your hearty beef stew slow cooker style.