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- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 medium potatoes, diced - 1 large onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup frozen peas When making this beef stew, fresh ingredients make a big difference. The beef chuck is tender and rich. It breaks down well during slow cooking. Carrots bring sweetness and color. Potatoes add heartiness and help thicken the stew. The onion and garlic provide a strong base flavor. For the broth, I like to use beef broth. It gives depth to the stew. The tomato paste adds a hint of acidity, balancing the flavors. Thyme and rosemary add wonderful earthiness. Salt and pepper brighten the dish. You can add olive oil when browning the beef. It helps seal in juices and adds flavor. The frozen peas are a nice touch added at the end. They brighten the plate and add a pop of color. Gather these ingredients before you start. It makes cooking easier and more fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat olive oil in a skillet. - Brown the beef cubes until they seal in juices, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Browning the beef is key. This step adds flavor and color to your stew. You want to do this in batches. If you crowd the pan, the beef will steam instead of brown. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crockpot. - Sauté onions and garlic until soft, about 3 minutes. - Add sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the crockpot. Next, use the same skillet. Sautéing the onions and garlic in the beef drippings enhances their flavor. Once they are soft, add them to the crockpot. Then, toss in the sliced carrots and diced potatoes. These veggies soak up the stew's rich taste. - Mix beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper in a bowl. - Pour this mix over the ingredients in the crockpot. Now, in a bowl, mix the beef broth with the tomato paste and seasonings. This blend adds depth to your stew. Pour it over the beef and veggies in the crockpot, making sure everything is covered. - Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. - Add frozen peas about 30 minutes before serving. Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Cooking low and slow helps the beef become tender. Lastly, add the frozen peas just before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your hearty meal! For great stew, cook it low and slow. Aim for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. This brings out the beef's rich taste. Adjust seasonings to your liking. Taste the stew before serving. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt or pepper. Fresh herbs can also enhance the taste. The best slow cooker for beef stew should have a good temperature range. Look for one that can cook evenly. A 6-quart size is ideal for this recipe. You also need a large skillet to brown the beef. A good cutting board and sharp knife make chopping veggies easy. Serve your stew in deep bowls. This keeps it hot and makes it look nice. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. It adds a touch of freshness. Pair the stew with crusty bread. This makes a complete meal. Enjoy every warm bite! Pro Tips Brown the Meat for Flavor: Searing the beef in batches before adding it to the crockpot enhances the stew's flavor by creating a rich, caramelized crust. Use Fresh Herbs: For a brighter, more aromatic flavor, consider using fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried. Add a Splash of Wine: A splash of red wine added to the broth will deepen the flavor profile and add complexity to the stew. Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in about 30 minutes before serving. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in your beef stew. If you want a lighter meal, try chicken or turkey. Use boneless, skinless pieces for best results. Cook them in the same way as beef. The stew will taste great with these options. For a vegetarian twist, use hearty veggies and beans. You can add mushrooms, lentils, or chickpeas. These will give the stew a nice texture and taste. You can even use a vegetable broth for the base. Adding a splash of red wine gives your stew more depth. Choose a dry red wine. It adds a rich flavor that pairs well with beef. Just pour it in with the broth and let it cook. You can also play with herbs and spices. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil can brighten the dish. Experiment and find your favorite mix! Seasonal veggies can make your stew even better. In fall, add butternut squash or parsnips. In spring, try green beans or asparagus. Fresh ingredients make the dish vibrant. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free broth. You can also skip the flour if you thicken your stew with cornstarch. Always check labels to ensure the other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy your stew! To keep your beef stew fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to spoilage. Cooked beef stew lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. To freeze beef stew, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. Beef stew can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For quick reheating, you can use the microwave. When reheating on the stove, add a splash of broth for moisture. For meal prep, divide the stew into single-serving containers. This makes it easy to grab a quick meal. A serving size is about 1 to 1.5 cups. This way, you can enjoy the stew over several days without losing its flavor or texture. Beef stew lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it up. This helps avoid extra moisture buildup. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Yes, you can cook beef stew on high. It will take about 4 hours instead of 8. However, cooking on low gives better flavor and texture. The beef becomes very tender when cooked slowly. High heat may not let the flavors blend as well. To thicken your beef stew, you can use cornstarch or flour. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mix into the stew about 30 minutes before it finishes cooking. If using flour, mix it in with the broth before adding it to the stew. Both methods work well to create a rich, thick sauce. Adjust the thickness to your liking by adding more or less. This beef stew guide covers essential ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ways to adjust flavors and variations like using chicken or different vegetables. Remember, the key to a great stew lies in the details, from browning the meat to choosing the right spices. With this foundation, you can make your beef stew unique and tasty. Enjoy cooking and creating lasting memories around your table.

Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew

A comforting and flavorful beef stew cooked slowly in a crockpot.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches to seal in the juices, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot.
  • In the same skillet, add the onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. Add to the crockpot.
  • Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and the frozen peas to the crockpot.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well and pour over the ingredients in the crockpot.
  • Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors are combined.
  • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

Serve hot in deep bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keyword beef stew, comfort food, crockpot