There is something truly special about coming home after a long day to the warm, inviting smell of dinner already bubbling away. It’s a feeling of pure comfort, right? That’s the beauty of great Crockpot Recipes.
This classic beef stew recipe is exactly that. It’s a simple, set it and forget it meal that delivers a rich, flavorful dinner with very little effort. It’s one of my favorite Slow Cook Recipes for a reason, and I think it’s about to become one of yours too.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the ease of this dish is a huge win. You basically just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. There is no need for complicated steps or fancy techniques. This makes it a great choice for busy weeknights.
The flavor is another major highlight. Slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth. All the vegetables and seasonings meld together to create a deep, savory gravy that is just amazing.
It is also a very budget friendly meal. Beef stew meat is an affordable cut that becomes wonderfully succulent after hours of slow cooking. You get a restaurant quality taste without the high price tag. It’s one of those Crockpot Recipes For Dinner that feels special.
Plus, this recipe is super flexible. You can easily swap in different vegetables based on what you have on hand. It is a great way to use up any produce that is sitting in your fridge. It’s a forgiving dish that welcomes a little creativity.
And let’s be honest, the minimal cleanup is a gift. A single pot means less time washing dishes and more time relaxing with your family. What’s not to love about that?
Ingredients
The ingredient list for these Crockpot Recipes is wonderfully simple. It’s all about classic, wholesome components coming together to create something delicious. Here is what you will need.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch pieces
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large bay leaf
The beef stew meat is the star, of course. A cut like chuck roast is ideal because it has enough fat and connective tissue to break down into tender, juicy bites. The flour mixture helps to create a rich, thick gravy as it cooks.
For the vegetables, carrots, potatoes, onion, and celery form a classic base that adds sweetness and body to the stew. Feel free to use Yukon Gold or red potatoes; they hold their shape well in Slow Cook Recipes.
The flavor boosters are simple but powerful. Beef broth provides the liquid foundation, while Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic add layers of savory, smoky, and aromatic notes. The bay leaf infuses the stew with a subtle herbal background flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to get started? This process is so straightforward. Following these simple steps will lead you to a fantastic dinner. This is what makes Crockpot Recipes so appealing for home cooks.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, get all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Chop your vegetables and measure out your seasonings. This little bit of prep work makes the whole process feel calm and organized.
Step 2: Prepare The Beef
Place your beef stew meat directly into the slow cooker. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the beef.
Use a large spoon to gently toss the beef pieces until they are all lightly coated in the flour mixture. This step is key for thickening the gravy later on, so make sure every piece gets a little love.
Step 3: Combine Everything In The Crockpot
Now for the easy part. Add the rest of your ingredients to the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, then add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and celery.
Drizzle in the Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle in the paprika and minced garlic. Finally, tuck the bay leaf into the mixture. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Let The Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Place the lid on your slow cooker. You have two cooking options. For the most tender result, cook on the Low setting for 8 to 12 hours. If you are shorter on time, you can cook on the High setting for 4 to 6 hours.
You’ll know it’s done when the beef is so tender you can easily cut it with a spoon and the vegetables are soft. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible. This is the magic of great Crockpot Recipes For Dinner.
Step 5: Serve And Enjoy!
Once the stew is cooked, carefully remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hot stew into bowls. It is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it’s also wonderful served with crusty bread for dipping, over egg noodles, or with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you are in for a treat. This beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. It’s one of the best parts about making big batch Crockpot Recipes.
To store, allow the stew to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.
This stew also freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it up gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips
Want to make your beef stew even better? Here are a few simple tips to enhance this already great dish. Good Slow Cook Recipes often have room for a personal touch.
For a deeper, richer flavor, you can brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Simply heat a little oil in a skillet over medium high heat and sear the flour coated beef pieces in batches until browned on all sides. This is an optional step, but it adds a nice complexity.
Feel free to customize the vegetables. Frozen peas or green beans can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Sliced mushrooms or parsnips are also great additions that can be added at the beginning with the other veggies.
If you find your gravy is not as thick as you would like at the end of cooking, you can make a simple cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this into the stew and cook on High for another 15 minutes until thickened.
While this recipe uses stew meat, some people ask about other options. If you are mainly looking for Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner, you could adapt this concept. Brown a pound of ground beef with the onion and garlic, drain the fat, and then add it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. The cooking time might be slightly shorter.
Conclusion
This slow cooker beef stew is the definition of comfort food. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. It proves that you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a memorable dinner.
With its simple ingredients and hands off cooking process, it is one of those essential Crockpot Recipes that every home cook should have. It is dependable, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Cut Of Beef?
Absolutely. Beef chuck roast, cut into cubes, is an excellent alternative. It has great marbling that makes it very tender when slow cooked. You could also use a bottom round roast.
Do I Have To Brown The Beef First?
No, you do not have to. The recipe is designed to be a true dump and go meal. However, browning the meat does add an extra layer of rich, savory flavor if you have the time.
Can I Add Wine To This Recipe?
Yes! A splash of dry red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, would be a fantastic addition. Add about half a cup with the beef broth to deepen the flavor of the gravy.
How Do I Make This Gluten Free?
To make this stew gluten free, simply swap the all purpose flour for a gluten free all purpose flour blend or cornstarch. Also, ensure your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are certified gluten free.
Is This One Of Those Set It And Forget It Crockpot Recipes For Dinner?
Yes, for the most part! Once you have all the ingredients in the slow cooker and give it a stir, you can walk away and let it cook without any further intervention until it’s time to serve. It’s a very low maintenance meal.
Hearty Classic Beef Stew
A comforting and easy slow cooker beef stew, perfect for a hearty family dinner. Tender beef and wholesome vegetables simmer in a rich, savory gravy with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients, including beef stew meat and vegetables. Take time to chop vegetables and measure seasonings.
- Place beef stew meat into the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, salt, and ground black pepper. Sprinkle over beef and toss to coat evenly.
- Add beef broth, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and celery to the slow cooker. Drizzle in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and minced garlic. Tuck in the bay leaf and stir everything well.
- Cover the slow cooker. Cook on the Low setting for 8 to 12 hours, or on the High setting for 4 to 6 hours. The stew is ready when the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft. For a deeper flavor, you can brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Carefully remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hot stew into bowls and enjoy, optionally served with crusty bread, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
For a deeper, richer flavor, you can brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Simply heat a little oil in a skillet over medium high heat and sear the flour coated beef pieces in batches until browned on all sides. This is an optional step, but it adds a nice complexity.
Feel free to customize the vegetables. Frozen peas or green beans can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Sliced mushrooms or parsnips are also great additions that can be added at the beginning with the other veggies.
If you find your gravy is not as thick as you would like at the end of cooking, you can make a simple cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this into the stew and cook on High for another 15 minutes until thickened.
While this recipe uses stew meat, some people ask about other options. If you are mainly looking for Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner, you could adapt this concept. Brown a pound of ground beef with the onion and garlic, drain the fat, and then add it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. The cooking time might be slightly shorter.
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