Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe

If you are looking for a delicious, filling and easy dinner recipe, than this crock pot beef stew recipe is just the answer! This hearty and flavorful dish is filled with fall apart, tender chunks of beef, along with vegetables like carrots, potatoes and onions which are simmered low and slow in a thick, savory broth.

Not only is it warm and comforting, with less than 10 minutes of preparation, dinner will be in the slow cooker and ready to eat whenever you are. It is one of those recipes that I love to make on a busy weeknight because all I have to do is put the ingredients in the pot and set the cook timer.

However it is also a great recipe to make on the weekend when you can sit back, enjoy and appreciate the taste of a home cooked meal. The aroma that fills the house as it cooks will sure to be remind you the days when your parents or grandparents spent hours in the kitchen preparing supper.

However now, with the help of your slow cooker, you can that same meal without all of the work. In addition, if you use a programmable slow cooker, you can set it for the exact cook time so that after it finishes it will be kept perfectly warm without the worry of the vegetables turning to mush.

Then you can eat your delicious dinner whenever you are ready! However before you get started, you first must determine what type of beef makes the best beef stew.

Best Cut Of Beef To Use For Beef Stew

When it comes to purchasing meat for beef stew, your first instinct may be to purchase a package of stew meat at the grocery store. The packages of stew meat are readily available at most grocery stores and are often located in the prepackaged refrigerated meat aisle.

Most packages that are labeled as stew meat are typically a blend of various cuts of beef that are trimmed during the butchering process. This means that there lean cuts of beef mixed with fatty cuts.

Because there are a variety of cuts, the cook times that make each cut tender and delicious will vary greatly. Not only will the optimal cook times vary, the size of each piece of meat will vary as well.

Although the meat will benefit from being cooked low and slow, there is a better option.

Chuck Roast

The better alternative would be to purchase a chuck roast. Chuck roast is a widely recommended and the best and most popular choice for beef stew.

It comes from the shoulder area of the cow and contains well-marbled meat and connective tissues that break down during long, slow cooking. This results in tender, juicy, and flavorful pieces of beef in the stew.

However you could also use other cuts like bottom round, top round, or brisket. However, they may require a longer cooking time to achieve the desired tenderness.

No matter what type of beef that you choose be sure to cut them into even pieces. This will not only allow the meat to cook at the same rate, but it will also make the beef stew easier to eat.

Even if you are using stew meat that is cut in cubes, it is best if you cut them into smaller, even pieces. In addition be sure to trim off any excessive fat before adding the meat to the skillet to sear.

Do You Have To Sear The Meat?

Searing the meat before adding it to the crock pot when making beef stew is a common technique that enhances the overall depth of flavor and texture of the dish. The searing creates a brown crust on the exterior of the meat helping to seal in the juices.

While searing is an optional step, many people find that it significantly improves the overall taste of the stew. It’s a simple process, but if you are in a hurry, you can certainly skip this step.

However if you have an extra few minutes, and don’t mind washing one more pan, I highly recommend it.

How To Flavor Crock Pot Beef Stew

Salt and Pepper:

Start with a generous amount of salt and fresh ground pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the beef and other ingredients.

Herbs:

The simple combination of thyme and bay leaves are enough to give the crock pot beef stew a slight earthy flavor.

Garlic and Onions:

Minced garlic and chopped onions are essential for building a flavorful base. For a sweeter and mild taste sauté them before adding to the crock pot.

Worcestershire Sauce:

A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds another depth of unexpected flavor to the stew.

Tomato Paste:

A spoonful of tomato paste will provide a hint of sweetness and richness.

Beef Broth or Stock:

Choose a high-quality beef broth or stock to intensify the beefy flavor. If using store-bought, opt for low-sodium varieties to control the salt content.

Red Wine and/or Stout Beer (Optional):

For added flavor add dry red wine and/or a stout beer. Although optional the added flavors will make your beef stew even more delicious.

Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe

*Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to keep reading for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large yellow onions, cut in eight pieces each
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 pound small yellow potatoes, halved
• 4 large carrots halved and sliced into 1 inch chunks
• 3 cups beef broth, or 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS – CROCK POT BEEF STEW

1. In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the olive oil. Then season the stew meat with salt and pepper and add to the skillet in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook the meat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

2. Place the meat in a slow cooker then add the onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme and bay leaves.

3. Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

4. Remove 1⁄3 cup of stew liquid from the slow cooker. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Pour the flour mixture back into the stew and stir to combine.

5. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes or until stew is slightly thickened. Serve warm and sprinkle with parsley if desired.

Check out a couple of our favorite Crock Pot Comfort Food Recipes:

• Pot Roast and Vegetables
• Beef Vegetable Soup
• Chili
• Sausage and Potato Casserole

Enjoy!

Mary and Jim

Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.

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