This easy crock pot beef stew is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender beef, hearty potatoes, and tasty carrots, it’s the perfect meal for any day of the week.
Just toss everything in the pot and let it cook while you relax. It’s like magic! I love serving it with bread for dipping—so comforting and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: I love using chuck roast for this dish because it becomes super tender when cooked low and slow. If you’re looking for alternatives, sirloin or round steak also work, but they might not be as tender.
Red Wine: Using red wine adds a nice depth of flavor to the stew. If you’re avoiding alcohol, replace it with more beef broth or even a splash of grape juice mixed with some vinegar for acidity.
Vegetables: Carrots and potatoes are classic choices for stew, but you can mix it up! Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even turnips can add different flavors. Feel free to adjust based on what you have on hand!
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary give a lovely aroma to the stew. If you don’t have dried herbs, you can use fresh ones—just double the amount, as they are less concentrated.
How Do I Get the Beef Extra Tender?
To make sure your beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the searing step is essential. By browning the beef, you create a delicious crust that locks in flavors.
- Use a hot skillet—this helps achieve a good sear.
- Work in batches to avoid crowding, which can steam the meat instead of browning it.
- Let the stew cook for a good long time. The low and slow method is key for breaking down the tough fibers in the meat.
Remember, patience is important! The longer it simmers, the better the flavor and texture will be.
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Tender Meat
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with extra beef broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, added near end of cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This beef stew takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and then cooks in your crock pot for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it recipe that fills your home with wonderful smells!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef:
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss your beef stew meat in a bowl with flour until it’s lightly coated. Once the skillet is hot, brown the beef in batches, giving each piece a nice sear (about 5 minutes per batch). This step really helps lock in the flavors! After browning, transfer the beef to your crock pot.
2. Adding Vegetables:
Next, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the crock pot with the beef. These will soak up all the delicious flavors while cooking!
3. Mixing The Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if you’re using it), tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour this savory mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.
4. Cooking The Stew:
Now, throw in the bay leaves and give everything a gentle stir to combine. Cover the crock pot and let it simmer. You have the choice of cooking it on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The goal is for the beef to become super tender and the veggies to be perfectly cooked.
5. Finishing Touches:
If you’re using peas, add them in about 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat. They’ll add a nice pop of color and sweetness to the stew!
6. Serving:
Before serving, don’t forget to remove the bay leaves! Taste your stew and adjust any seasonings to your liking. Serve it warm with some crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful crock pot beef stew!
FAQs about Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed beef stew meat for this recipe. If you only have frozen beef, make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
What Can I Substitute for Red Wine?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can simply replace it with an extra cup of beef broth or use grape juice mixed with a splash of vinegar for a hint of acidity.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the stew in portions for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your stew by adding other vegetables like celery, peas, or bell peppers. Just be mindful of cooking times—sturdier vegetables may require longer cooking times to become tender.
