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Cozy Crockpot Beef Stew

cozy crockpot beef stew - featured image

A comforting and easy crockpot beef stew with tender beef and hearty vegetables, perfect for family meals and chilly nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until a crust forms. Transfer browned beef to the crockpot.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add to the crockpot.
  4. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, beef broth, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas if using. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Ladle stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Browning the beef before slow cooking enhances flavor but is optional. Dry beef well before searing to avoid steaming. Use fresh herbs near the end for brighter flavor. Avoid lifting the crockpot lid during cooking to maintain heat. For thicker stew, remove lid during last 30 minutes or add a cornstarch slurry.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, crockpot, slow cooker, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, hearty stew