Hearty Tender Crockpot Beef Stew

$- 2 pounds beef chuck - 4 carrots - 3 potatoes - 1 onion - 3 cloves garlic - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper Gather these ingredients to make a warm and hearty beef stew. Each ingredient adds flavor and texture. The beef chuck is key for tenderness, while the carrots and potatoes provide heartiness. If you can't find beef chuck, you can use brisket or round. These cuts also work well in stew. For a vegetarian option, swap the beef for mushrooms or lentils. These choices keep the stew rich and filling. Using fresh herbs can brighten the dish. They lift the flavors and add freshness. On the other hand, dried herbs are convenient and still pack a punch. For beef stew, dried thyme and parsley work great. If you use fresh, double the amount for the best taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preparing the beef and vegetables Start by cutting 2 pounds of beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. This size helps the beef cook evenly. Next, slice 4 carrots into rounds and peel and cube 3 potatoes. Dice 1 onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic. Now, you have all your ingredients ready to go! Searing the beef Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside. This step adds great flavor! Layering ingredients in the crockpot In your crockpot, combine the seared beef, sautéed onion, and garlic. Add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes. Next, pour in 4 cups of beef broth. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Toss in 1 bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to mix. Adjusting heat settings Now, cover the crockpot. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The longer you cook, the more tender the beef will be. Just make sure the beef is tender and the veggies are cooked through. Checking for tenderness After cooking, check the beef. It should fall apart easily with a fork. If it’s not tender yet, cook for another hour. This ensures the best texture. Thicking the stew For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of corn starch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the stew and cook on high for another 30 minutes. This will give you that hearty, rich texture we all love. Searing beef is key for great flavor. When you brown the beef, it builds a nice crust. This step adds depth to your stew. Aim to sear the beef in batches for even cooking. Each batch should take about five minutes. Cook until all sides are brown. For cooking times, the slow method is best. Cook on low for eight hours. This allows the beef to break down well. If you're short on time, use high heat for four hours. The beef should be tender and juicy. Spices can elevate your stew's taste. Consider adding extra herbs like rosemary or bay leaves. A dash of paprika can add warmth. Experiment with your favorite spices for unique flavors. Using homemade beef broth is ideal. It adds rich flavor that store-bought can’t match. If you use store-bought, choose a low-sodium option. This way, you control the saltiness. Pair your stew with crusty bread. It soaks up the rich broth perfectly. You can also serve it with a side salad for freshness. For garnishing, fresh parsley is a great choice. It adds color and a hint of freshness. Simply sprinkle some on top before serving. This makes your stew look more inviting. Pro Tips Brown the Beef: For a deeper flavor, ensure that the beef is well-browned before adding it to the crockpot. This enhances the overall taste of the stew. Use Fresh Herbs: Whenever possible, substitute dried herbs with fresh ones. Fresh thyme and parsley can elevate the flavor profile significantly. Layer the Ingredients: Place root vegetables at the bottom of the crockpot and meat on top. This ensures even cooking and prevents the vegetables from overcooking. Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the stew to sit for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and improves the overall taste. {{image_2}} You can change up your beef stew with different ingredients. Try adding peas or mushrooms for extra flavor. These veggies add color and texture to your dish. You can also use different cuts of meat. Brisket or round steak can work well. Each cut brings a unique taste to your stew. You can create a sweet or savory stew. For a sweet twist, add a bit of brown sugar or sweet potatoes. If you prefer savory, try adding herbs like rosemary or bay leaves. You can also incorporate red wine or beer. These liquids deepen the flavor and make the stew richer. Just be careful not to overdo it; a cup is usually enough. The crockpot is great, but you can also use other methods. An Instant Pot can cut your cooking time in half. Just be mindful of the pressure settings. The stovetop is another option. It cooks faster but requires more attention. Stir often to prevent burning. Each method has its perks, so choose what works best for you. To keep your beef stew fresh, store it properly. First, let the stew cool down. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it soon. The stew can last up to three days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the stew. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Remember to label your containers with the date. When reheating stew, use the stove for the best taste. Pour the stew into a pot. Heat it over medium heat. Stir often until it is hot. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can also use the microwave. Place the stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid hot spots and overcooking. Aim for even warmth throughout. In the fridge, your stew will last about three days. If you store it in the freezer, it can last three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you see any mold or if it smells off, discard it. Fresh stew should smell rich and savory. Yes, you can make this beef stew ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day. To prepare in advance, follow these tips: - Cook the stew fully and let it cool. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. - You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. For beef stew, I recommend using beef chuck. This cut has good fat content and breaks down well. Other great options include: - Brisket - Round roast - Shank These cuts become tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow. You know the stew is done when the beef is tender. Look for these signs: - The meat should easily shred with a fork. - The vegetables should be soft but not mushy. - The broth should be rich and flavorful. If it meets all these signs, your stew is ready to serve! Making a hearty beef stew involves choosing the right ingredients and methods. We discussed essential items like beef chuck and fresh herbs. You learned substitutions for dietary needs and tips for enhancing flavor. Remember, searing meat adds depth. Choose your cooking method—crockpot, instant pot, or stovetop—to fit your schedule. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh for future meals. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and variations to create your perfect stew. With these tips, your next dish will be a cozy success.$

Hearty Tender Crockpot Beef Stew

A comforting and flavorful beef stew cooked slowly in a crockpot until tender.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 units carrots, sliced into rounds
3 units potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 unit onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 unit bay leaf

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
In the crockpot, combine the seared beef, sautéed onion and garlic, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, parsley, and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of corn starch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew, cooking for an additional 30 minutes on high.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keyword beef stew, comfort food, crockpot