When the chilly winds start blowing, my kitchen cravings shift. I want something warm, filling, and honestly, something that doesn’t require me to stand over the stove for hours. That is where my trusty slow cooker comes in to save the day. It’s the secret to amazing dinners on busy weeknights.
If you are nodding your head, then you are in for a treat. This recipe is one of my favorite Easy Winter Crockpot Meals. We are talking about a classic beef stew, but with zero fuss. It is a simple recipe that feels like a big, warm hug in a bowl. It’s all about dumping good ingredients into the pot and letting time do the hard work.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the simplicity is a huge win. There is no complicated searing or fancy steps. You just toss everything into the slow cooker. This makes it one of the best Easy Winter Crockpot Meals for beginners or anyone short on time. It is a lifesaver on those hectic days.
The flavor is another big reason to love this dish. Slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender. It literally melts in your mouth. The vegetables soak up all the rich, savory broth, creating a wonderfully deep taste. This is exactly what Hearty Crockpot Meals should be all about.
Let’s talk about the aroma. There is nothing quite like coming home to the smell of a delicious stew that has been simmering all day. It fills your entire house with a comforting scent that instantly makes you feel cozy and relaxed. It signals that a good meal is waiting.
This is also one of those fantastic Family Crockpot Meals that everyone enjoys. It’s wholesome, packed with veggies and protein, and feels like a complete meal in one bowl. Even picky eaters seem to love the tender beef and flavorful gravy. It is a crowd pleaser for sure.
Finally, it is a budget friendly recipe. Chuck roast is an affordable cut of meat that becomes amazingly tender with slow cooking. You can use simple, everyday vegetables, making it a great way to serve up satisfying Comfort Crockpot Meals without breaking the bank. It proves that a great dinner doesn’t have to be expensive.
Ingredients
The beauty of these Winter Meals Crock Pot style is their reliance on simple, wholesome ingredients. You do not need anything fancy to create a truly special dinner. Here is what you will need to gather.
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 4 medium carrots
- 2 medium stalks celery
- 1 pound Yukon gold or red potatoes (about 3 medium)
- 2 1/4 pounds boneless beef chuck roast or beef stew meat
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for serving (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get this delicious meal started. The process is so straightforward. Just follow along, and you will have one of the best Easy Winter Crockpot Meals simmering away in no time.
Step 1: Combine The Seasonings
First things first, grab your slow cooker. You will want one that is at least 6 quarts. In the bottom of the slow cooker pot, place the flour, thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Give it a quick stir to combine everything. This little mix is the flavor base for our stew.
Step 2: Prepare The Vegetables
Now it is time to prep the veggies. Dice up one medium yellow onion. You should have about one and a half cups. Peel and cut your carrots into chunky, one inch thick rounds. Then, chop the celery stalks into half inch pieces. Finally, cut your potatoes into one inch cubes. No need to peel them unless you really want to.
Step 3: Cut And Coat The Beef
Take your beef chuck roast and trim off any large pieces of surface fat. Cut the beef into chunks that are about one to one and a half inches. Don’t make them too small. Once cut, transfer the beef pieces directly into the slow cooker with the flour mixture. Toss everything together until the beef is lightly coated.
After coating the beef, add all your prepared vegetables right on top. Tuck in the two dried bay leaves among the beef and veggies. The pot is starting to look good already.
Step 4: Add The Liquids
In a separate bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, combine the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk it all together until the tomato paste is dissolved into the broth. Pour this savory liquid mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to make sure everything is combined.
Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection
Now for the easy part. Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours. The goal is for the beef to be super tender. Once the cooking time is up, give it a taste. Season with a little more salt and pepper if it needs it. Serve it up hot, topped with fresh parsley for a bit of color.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you are in luck. This stew is one of those Hearty Crockpot Meals that tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together and deepen, making for a truly wonderful lunch or dinner.
To store it, allow the stew to cool down a bit. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about three to four days. When you are ready to eat, you can gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
You can also freeze the stew for longer storage. Place it in a freezer safe container or bag, leaving a little room for expansion. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. It makes future Family Crockpot Meals even easier.
Tips
Want to make your stew even better? Here are a few simple tips for fantastic Winter Meals Crock Pot style. First, if you have an extra ten minutes, consider browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds another layer of deep, rich flavor. It is not required, but it is a nice touch.
If you do brown the beef, be sure to deglaze the pan. After you remove the beef, pour a little of the beef broth into the hot pan. Scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom. Then, pour that flavorful liquid into the slow cooker. It is a small step that makes a big difference.
A very important rule of slow cooking is to avoid peeking. Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes, and it can increase the cooking time. Trust the process and let the crockpot do its thing. The amazing smells will be your guide.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can easily thicken it at the end. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This is a great trick for lovely Comfort Crockpot Meals.
Think about what you will serve with your stew. A side of crusty bread is wonderful for dipping into the gravy. It is also delicious served over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even rice. This simple addition can round out the meal beautifully.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A straightforward, delicious recipe for one of the most satisfying Easy Winter Crockpot Meals you can make. It is a dish that delivers on all fronts. It is easy, flavorful, and incredibly comforting. It really is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.
So next time you need a dependable winter dinner, I hope you give this beef stew a try. It is a reminder that good food does not have to be complicated. Let your slow cooker handle the work and enjoy a warm, hearty meal with your loved ones. Happy cooking.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Cut Of Beef?
Yes, you can. While chuck roast is ideal for its flavor and how well it tenderizes, other stewing meats work too. Look for cuts like bottom round or rump roast. The key is to choose a cut that benefits from long, slow cooking.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite veggies. Mushrooms, peas, or parsnips are all great additions. For softer vegetables like peas, it is best to stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they do not get too mushy.
Do I Have To Use Flour?
The flour helps to thicken the gravy as the stew cooks. If you need a gluten free option, you can skip the flour at the beginning. Instead, use a cornstarch slurry at the end of the cooking time to thicken the sauce to your liking. It works just as well.
Can I Prepare This The Night Before?
Yes, prepping ahead is a great time saver. You can chop all the vegetables and cut the beef the night before. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. In the morning, you can just toss everything into the crockpot and go. It makes these Easy Winter Crockpot Meals even easier.
Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This classic beef stew recipe is one of the easiest and most comforting winter crockpot meals. Simply combine wholesome ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work, resulting in incredibly tender beef and flavorful vegetables for a satisfying, warm hug in a bowl.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the flour, thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to mix.
- Dice the yellow onion (approx. 1.5 cups). Peel and cut carrots into 1-inch rounds. Chop celery stalks into 0.5-inch pieces. Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes (no need to peel).
- Trim excess fat from the beef chuck roast. Cut beef into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks. Add beef to the slow cooker with the flour mixture and toss to coat lightly. Add all prepared vegetables and two dried bay leaves on top.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir gently.
- Cover the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the beef is super tender. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. Deglaze the pan with a little beef broth and add the flavorful liquid to the slow cooker.
Avoid lifting the lid frequently during slow cooking, as this releases heat and can extend the cooking time.
To thicken the gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete meal.
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