Go Back
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium potatoes, diced - 3 carrots, sliced - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced To start, beef chuck is the star of this dish. It gives the stew a rich taste and tender texture. Cut it into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Next, you need potatoes for heartiness. Dice them into bite-sized pieces. Carrots add sweetness and color. Slice them thin for quick cooking. Onion and garlic bring depth to the flavor. Chop the onion and mince the garlic to release their natural oils. - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon rosemary - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - Salt and pepper to taste The broth is key for moisture and flavor. Use beef broth for its rich, savory taste. Tomato paste adds body and a slight tang. Thyme and rosemary provide warmth and earthiness. Worcestershire sauce enhances umami. Finally, always season with salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors. - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for thickening) If you want extra color and nutrition, add frozen peas. They cook quickly and brighten the stew. For a thicker stew, use cornstarch. Mix it with water to create a slurry. Stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking for the best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by getting all your veggies ready. Chop the onion into small pieces. Dice the potatoes into cubes. Slice the carrots into rounds. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Make sure you have everything prepped for smooth cooking. If you want more flavor, brown the beef first. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes. Make sure the beef is brown on all sides. This step adds deep flavor but can be skipped if you’re in a hurry. Now, it’s time to load the crockpot. Place the beef in first, then add the chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, and onion. Sprinkle the minced garlic on top. This mix creates a great base for your stew. Next, let’s make the broth. In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the tomato paste blends well. This mixture adds a rich flavor to your stew. Pour the broth mixture over the beef and veggies in the crockpot. Stir gently to cover everything. Cover the pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours. If you choose high, cook for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender and veggies cooked through when done. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. If you like your stew thicker, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add it to the stew and stir gently. Let it cook for another 30 minutes to thicken up nicely. Browning the beef before slow cooking makes a big difference. It adds a rich flavor and deep color. When you sear the meat, it creates a tasty crust. This crust gives your stew a wonderful taste. If you have time, don’t skip this step. It will make your stew even better. To make your stew thick, there are easy options. You can use cornstarch. Mix it with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew about 30 minutes before serving. This will give your stew a nice, hearty consistency. You can also mash some of the potatoes in the stew. This adds thickness without extra ingredients. Garnishing your stew can make it look even more inviting. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color. It also gives a nice hint of flavor. Serve your stew in deep bowls while hot. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping. This adds a wonderful texture and makes the meal complete. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this hearty dish! Pro Tips Brown the Beef for Extra Flavor: Searing the beef before adding it to the crockpot enhances the overall flavor of the stew. It creates a rich, caramelized crust that deepens the taste. Use Fresh Herbs for a Lively Taste: If available, substitute dried thyme and rosemary with fresh herbs. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile and add a vibrant aroma to your stew. Adjust Thickness to Your Preference: If you like a thicker stew, be sure to add the cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. This prevents the stew from becoming too thick and ensures a perfect consistency. Let It Rest for Best Flavor: Allowing the stew to sit for about 30 minutes after cooking can help the flavors meld together, resulting in a more delicious final dish. {{image_2}} When it comes to beef stew, you can make it your own. Here are some fun ways to change things up. You can swap out some veggies or protein in your stew. If you don't have potatoes, try using sweet potatoes or parsnips. They add a nice sweetness. For carrots, you could use turnips or even bell peppers. If beef isn't your thing, you can use chicken or turkey instead. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. If you follow a gluten-free diet, choose gluten-free broth. Many brands offer this option. You can also skip the Worcestershire sauce or use a gluten-free version. To make a low-sodium stew, pick low-sodium broth and cut down on added salt. This way, you still enjoy the flavor without extra sodium. Want to add some flair? Try different spices! Add cumin and chili powder for a Mexican twist. Or, use curry powder for an Indian touch. You can also stir in soy sauce or sesame oil for an Asian flavor. These changes can give your stew a whole new vibe. To store leftover stew, let it cool first. Pour it into an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals well. Place it in the fridge. Your beef stew will stay fresh for up to four days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container. It’s best to leave some space at the top. This allows the stew to expand as it freezes. Beef stew can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally for even heating. You can keep beef stew in the fridge for up to four days. If you freeze it, it'll last for three months. After that, the flavors may fade, and texture may change. Always check for off smells or signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can! If you want to change the cut, try using brisket or round. Both cuts work well in slow cooking. Brisket offers a rich flavor, while round is leaner but still tasty. Choose what you like best! To add some heat, mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount, and taste as you go. You can also use spicy sauce, like hot sauce or sriracha, for an extra kick. Spice it up to match your taste! Beef stew pairs well with crusty bread or warm rolls. A simple green salad also complements the meal nicely. For a heartier option, try serving it with mashed potatoes or rice. Each side adds a nice touch to your stew! Yes, you can! Just set your crockpot on low and let it cook. This way, you wake up to a warm, ready meal. Make sure to check your crockpot's timer. Enjoy the comfort of a hot stew waiting for you! You can make a hearty beef stew with simple steps. We covered the key ingredients like beef and veggies, along with delicious seasonings. I shared the step-by-step process for cooking and tips to enhance flavor. Remember, you can customize the stew with different ingredients and dietary choices. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh for future meals. With this guide, you can enjoy a warm bowl of stew anytime. Happy cooking!

Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

A hearty and flavorful beef stew cooked slowly in a crockpot, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 medium potatoes, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for thickening)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the potatoes, slice the carrots, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, sear the beef cubes for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if you're short on time.
  • Place the beef in the crockpot along with the chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, and onion. Add the minced garlic on top.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until the tomato paste is well incorporated.
  • Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot, ensuring everything is well-covered. Stir gently to mix.
  • Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry and add it to the stew, stir gently, and let it cook for another 30 minutes.
  • Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

Notes

Serve hot in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and crusty bread on the side.
Keyword beef stew, comfort food, crockpot, slow cooker