Crockpot Beef Stew: A Hearty Homemade Meal
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of beef stew on a chilly day. This hearty homemade meal is perfect for busy families or anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, satisfying dish with minimal effort. With a crockpot, you can create a flavorful stew that simmers all day, filling your home with the tantalizing aroma of beef and vegetables. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, 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
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches for about 4-5 minutes until they are evenly browned. Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot.
- Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes to the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- If using, add the frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed before serving.
- Serve hot with crusty bread for a hearty meal that warms the heart.
Tips for the Perfect Beef Stew
To make sure your crockpot beef stew turns out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Quality Beef: Use a good quality chuck roast, as it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow.
- Cut Vegetables Uniformly: Cut your vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot adds depth of flavor to your stew.
- Customize Your Stew: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or green beans, or even different herbs and spices that you enjoy.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. This stew also freezes well; just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This crockpot beef stew is not only hearty and delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Try it out and enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of this homemade classic!
