Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Recipe Introduction: Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Fancy a proper bit of comfort food ? Honestly, who doesn't? This beef stew crockpot recipe is like a warm hug on a cold day.
Think melt-in-your mouth beef and loads of veggies simmering away in a rich, savoury gravy.
Why You'll Love This Easy Beef Stew Recipe
Ever wondered where classic beef stew comes from? It’s a humble dish with roots stretching across Europe. Think of it as Nana's best recipe, but made easy for you! This particular version is super simple.
It takes about 25 minutes to prep and then either 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high in the slow cooker .
This hearty beef stew makes about 6-8 servings, perfect for feeding the family or batch cooking.
The Magic of a Crockpot Beef Stew
One of the best bits about this slow cooker beef stew is the health benefit. All those veggies mean you get a good dose of vitamins and fibre.
Plus, slow cooking makes the beef super tender and easier to digest. It’s the perfect meal for a Sunday dinner, a cozy night in, or even just a bit of "me time".
This easy crockpot meals recipe is special because it’s proper comfort food that fits into a busy life.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk grub, yeah? Making a proper beef stew crockpot recipe isn’t rocket science. It is comfort food at its finest.
Trust me, once you nail this, you'll be whipping it up every time it rains. Or, you know, just because you fancy it.
Main Ingredients
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. You'll need:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes. Look for marbling that's where the flavour is, mate!
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil.
- 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup ).
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup ).
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup ).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 lb (450g) Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 3 medium ones). I swear by Yukon Golds; they get lovely and creamy.
- 1 cup (125g) frozen peas. Chuck 'em in at the end.
- 1 cup (125g) frozen green beans (optional). My nan always added them; it's a nostalgia thing for me.
- 4 cups (950ml) beef broth. Go for low sodium if you’re watching the salt.
- 1 cup (240ml) dry red wine (optional). A decent Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot does the trick. It adds depth.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.
- 1 bay leaf. Don't forget to take it out before serving, eh?
- Salt and black pepper, to taste.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons (30ml) cold water (slurry optional). For thickening, innit?
Seasoning Notes
The secret to a great hearty beef stew is in the seasoning. Thyme and rosemary are essential . They give that warm, homey vibe.
A bay leaf is a must. For an extra kick, a pinch of smoked paprika can really make it sing.
Don't be shy with the salt and pepper. Season as you go, tasting along the way to get the taste just so.
If you don’t have fresh thyme or rosemary, dried ones will do perfectly. Just remember to use about half the amount, as dried herbs are more potent than fresh.
You can also add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper, richer flavour.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple. All you really need is:
- A 6-quart (or bigger) slow cooker/crockpot. Obvious, really, as it's a slow cooker beef stew .
- A large skillet/frying pan. For browning the beef don't skip that step!
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Chopping board.
- A sharp knife. Safety first, yeah?
If you don't have a skillet, a large saucepan will do. And if you're really stuck, you could brown the beef directly in the crockpot , but it's not ideal.
Honestly, a good quality beef stew recipe comes from good quality ingredients. This easy beef stew recipe is a winner.
Give it a burl!
Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Proper Comfort Food
Honestly, nothing beats a good beef stew on a chilly day. It’s classic beef stew , pure and simple. This easy beef stew recipe is like a warm hug.
A truly hearty beef stew that's perfect for those nights when you just want something easy and comforting. It also saves you loads of time.
That is what easy crockpot meals are all about.
Prep Steps
Essential mise en place is key, yeah? Get everything chopped before you even think about turning on the hob. It makes life so much easier.
Chop your 1 large onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Cube 1 lb of Yukon gold potatoes, too.
This slow cooker beef stew needs the prep to shine.
For time saving tips, buy pre-cut stewing beef if you're feeling lazy. No shame in that game! I've done it myself plenty of times.
Remember to always wash your hands before and after handling raw meat, yeah? Safety first, always!
step-by-step Process
- Toss 2 lbs of beef cubes in 2 tablespoons of seasoned flour. Make sure all the beef is nicely coated, mind.
- Sear the beef in 2 tablespoons of hot oil in a pan. Brown it on all sides. Don't overcrowd the pan. Work in batches.
- Sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery for 5- 7 minutes. Get them nice and soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Smells amazing, doesn’t it?
- Chuck all the veggies into the crockpot , followed by the browned beef. Add 4 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of red wine (optional), 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 bay leaf. Season well.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours . You want the beef super tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 cup of frozen green beans (optional) in the last 30 minutes .
- To thicken the stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it in during the last 15 minutes .
- Serve it up piping hot and enjoy this beef stew with vegetables !
Pro Tips
Don't skip searing the beef. Seriously, it makes a massive difference to the flavour. It is this browning action that takes this to the next level of comfort food recipe . Honestly.
A common mistake is not seasoning enough. Be generous with the salt and pepper, taste as you go.
This easy crockpot beef stew can be made a day ahead. The flavours actually get better overnight.
A beef stew crockpot recipe is a proper game changer. Chuck it all in, switch it on, and bugger off! And if you want to be really posh, serve it with some Yorkshire puddings.
Bob's your uncle! This slow cooker stew is a winner every time.
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe
Right then, let's dive into some notes to make sure your hearty beef stew is absolutely spot on. This beef stew crockpot recipe is pretty forgiving, but a few pointers never hurt, eh? I always say, even easy crockpot meals deserve a bit of finesse.
Serving it Up: Presentation & Companions
Honestly, presentation matters. This is a classic beef stew , but you can still make it look fancy. I love serving it in a rustic bowl with a sprig of parsley on top.
Makes you feel a bit cheffy, doesn't it?
For sides, you can't go wrong with some proper crusty bread. It’s essential for soaking up all that lovely gravy.
Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try some cheesy mashed potatoes? Total comfort food recipe ! For something different, brew a dark beer like a stout to match the rich flavor of the slow cooker beef stew.
Storage Sorted: Keeping Your Stew Fresh
Right, so you've got leftovers. Lucky you! This beef stew with vegetables tastes even better the next day, honestly.
Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . For longer storage, you can freeze it.
Just let it cool completely first. It'll last for about 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, defrost it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave.
Variations: Mix it Up a Bit!
Fancy a change? No worries. This beef stew recipe is super versatile.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour to coat the beef. Job done! If you're watching the calories, swap out some of the potatoes for more carrots or celery.
And if it's autumn, try adding some chopped butternut squash for a seasonal twist. It works wonders with the slow cooker stew.
Nutrition Lowdown: Goodness in Every Bowl
This easy beef stew recipe isn't just tasty; it's packed with goodness. You get protein from the beef. Vitamins and fibre come from all those lovely veggies.
Think about it: it's a complete meal in a bowl! Plus, slow cooking helps to retain all those nutrients. Just remember that nutritional info is an estimate, but the nutrients in the beef stew crockpot recipe are sure to be a winner!
So there you have it! With these recipe notes in mind, you’re well on your way to creating a seriously amazing beef stew crockpot recipe .
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Remember, cooking should be fun!. Now, get in the kitchen and get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this beef stew crockpot recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, a beef stew crockpot recipe often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld. Just let it cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container.
You can then reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen it up.
My beef stew is a bit watery; how do I thicken it up?
No worries, that's an easy fix! The recipe includes a cornstarch slurry option for thickening - just mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth and stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the stew to naturally thicken the gravy, a bit like a culinary magic trick!
What's the best cut of beef to use for this slow cooker beef stew recipe?
Beef chuck is generally considered the gold standard for slow cooker beef stew. It has a good amount of marbling (that's the fat within the muscle) that breaks down during the long cooking time, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat.
Stewing beef, which is usually chuck already cut into cubes, is also a perfectly acceptable shortcut.
Can I freeze leftover beef stew crockpot recipe?
You bet! Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or zip-top bags. Lay the bags flat in the freezer to save space and for quicker thawing. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
It's like a culinary time capsule!
Is there a way to make this beef stew crockpot recipe healthier?
Certainly! You can trim excess fat from the beef before cooking and use low-sodium beef broth to reduce the salt content. Loading up on vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas will add extra nutrients and fiber. And remember portion control; even a delicious, hearty stew should be enjoyed in moderation.
I don't have any red wine. Can I still make this slow cooker beef stew?
Absolutely! While red wine adds a lovely depth of flavor, it's not essential. Simply substitute the red wine with an equal amount of beef broth. For a little extra flavour, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to mimic some of the wine's richness - just a subtle hint!
Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 4-6g |
