Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew. Tender beef chunks, earthy vegetables, and a rich, savory broth meld together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy households or anyone who loves set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
Ingredients
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2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast recommended)
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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3 cups beef broth
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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2 teaspoons dried thyme
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2 bay leaves
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
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Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the beef stew meat and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. Repeat with the remaining beef and oil.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the seared beef and sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped celery, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
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Optional Step: If using, add frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
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Serve: Remove bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry.
Stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or green beans for added variety.
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: beef stew, slow cooker, comfort food, easy dinner, hearty meal