The Ultimate Cozy Crockpot Beef Stew
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a beef stew crockpot recipe that’s proper lush? I bet you do. Honestly, this is the king of comfort food recipes .
It’s a flavour explosion, like a hug in a bowl.
Brief Overview
This hearty beef stew recipe hails from the olden days when slow cooking was the way. Now, we’re just making it easier with a slow cooker beef stew .
This easy beef stew recipe crockpot takes about 8 hours on low, and makes enough for 6-8 hungry souls. It's basically your nan's famous recipe, but without all the fuss.
Main Benefits
This one pot beef stew recipe is packed with goodness. It’s a great source of protein and loads of vitamins from all those veggies.
It's perfect for a chilly evening. What makes it so special? The deep flavor, the tender beef, and the fact that the crockpot does all the hard work.
What You'll Need for This Cracking Beef Stew
Okay, so before we get started making the best beef stew crockpot , let's gather our bits and bobs, shall we?
2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes.
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil.
1 large onion, chopped.
2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
2 celery stalks, chopped.
4 cloves garlic, minced.
3 tablespoons (25g) all-purpose flour.
4 cups (950ml) beef broth.
1 cup (240ml) dry red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth).
2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste.
1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce.
1 teaspoon dried thyme.
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary.
2 bay leaves.
1 lb (450g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed.
1 cup (120g) frozen peas (added during the last 30 minutes of cooking).
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish).
And of course, your trusty slow cooker !
Why a Slow Cooker? (And Why Chuck Steak Rocks)
Listen, chuck steak is your best mate for this recipe. It's got enough fat to keep the stew rich and tasty as it slowly cooks.
This slow cooker beef chuck stew breaks down beautifully in the slow cooker , giving you that fall apart tenderness we all crave.
The beef stew with red wine crockpot deepens the flavor, but don't worry if you don't have any, extra broth works a treat.
It's a winner every time!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right, before we dive into making this best beef stew crockpot recipe, let's make sure we've got everything sorted. Seriously, nobody wants to be halfway through and realise they're missing a crucial ingredient! We want a hearty beef stew recipe here, not a disaster!
Main Ingredients: The Good Stuff
- Beef Chuck: 2 lbs (900g) , cut into 1 inch cubes. Get a decent piece of chuck; marbling is your friend! The better the quality, the more tender your slow cooker beef chuck stew will be.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Any good olive oil will do the trick.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped. Yellow or brown, whatever you have on hand.
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped. I like 'em chunky!
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. Adds a lovely savoury note.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don't be shy!
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons (25g) . This helps thicken the stew.
- Beef Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Low sodium is best. You can always add salt later.
- Dry Red Wine: 1 cup (240ml) . (Optional) A cheap bottle of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works great. If you want a beef stew with red wine crockpot , then don't skip this. Otherwise, just use more beef broth.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . For a bit of richness and depth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a lovely umami flavour.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon . A classic stew herb!
- Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon . A little goes a long way!
- Bay Leaves: 2 . Don't forget to remove these before serving.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 1 lb (450g) , peeled and cubed. Holds its shape well in the slow cooker beef stew .
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup (120g) . Added at the very end for a touch of sweetness and color.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be afraid to season generously!
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish. Makes it look fancy!
Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Boosters
We're aiming for classic comfort here. Thyme and rosemary are the workhorses for that comfort food recipes vibe. Worcestershire sauce is your secret weapon for umami.
Honestly, even a pinch of smoked paprika can add a little magic. If you don't have thyme or rosemary, mixed herbs will do in a pinch! This is a super easy easy beef stew recipe crockpot !.
Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple
- 6-quart (5.7 liter) or larger crockpot . Size matters here; you want enough space for everything.
- Large skillet . For searing the beef and sautéing the veggies.
- Measuring cups and spoons . Accuracy is key, especially when baking.
- Cutting board . Protect your work surfaces.
- Chef's knife . A good knife makes all the difference.
Don't have a fancy skillet? A large frying pan will work just fine. This one pot beef stew recipe is all about making life easier.
If you're missing a measuring spoon, just eyeball it. Honestly, cooking should be fun and stress free, even when its a crockpot stew recipes ! This recipe should be a best beef stew crockpot option, and you got all the ingredients here to start it!
Cooking Method: Unleash the Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe Magic!
Oh my gosh, you guys! Are you ready for the ultimate comfort food experience? Honestly, nothing beats a beef stew slow cooker .
It's the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the sofa with a good book and forget about the world.
This easy beef stew recipe crockpot is so simple. It is almost foolproof. I want to tell you more!
Prep Like a Pro, Stew Like a Boss
First things first. Let's get our mise en place sorted. Chop your veggies, cube that beef, and gather all your ingredients.
It's like prepping for a good battle. Having everything ready saves you time and stress. Plus, it stops you from accidentally missing something crucial! Safety first, mind you.
Use a sharp knife and watch those fingers!
From Kitchen to Crockpot: step-by-step
- Season 2 lbs of beef chuck with salt and pepper. Sear it in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium high heat.
- Sauté 1 large chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks until soft. Add 4 minced garlic cloves.
- Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour. Pour in 1 cup of red wine (optional). Scrape the pan.
- Combine everything in your crockpot. Add 4 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, and 2 bay leaves.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours . It smells so yummy!
- Add 1 lb cubed potatoes during the last 2- 3 hours on low, or 1- 2 hours on high.
- Stir in 1 cup frozen peas in the last 30 minutes .
- Remove bay leaves. Season. Garnish with parsley.
Pro Tips and Secret Weapon
Want to elevate your slow cooker beef stew to the next level? Sear that beef properly. It builds amazing flavour.
Avoid overcooking the stew. Mushy veggies are no fun! A splash of red wine really adds richness. But more beef broth will do! You know?
If you are a fan of hearty food, this hearty beef stew recipe is just for you, also if you are searching for comfort food recipes or crockpot stew recipes .
You can even get a beef stew with red wine crockpot with that optional touch. If you are asking what about a one pot beef stew recipe .
Yes, the pot is your trusty crockpot , and I tell you what? this is the best beef stew crockpot recipe.
So there you have it! My take on the perfect beef stew crockpot recipe . I swear by it. Whether you call it beef stew slow cooker or slow cooker beef chuck stew , this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Champion Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe
Right then, let's talk about a few extra bits and bobs for this easy beef stew recipe crockpot . Honestly, this beef stew slow cooker is pretty foolproof, but a few tips never hurt, yeah? It's one of those comfort food recipes that's just perfect for a chilly evening.
Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings
How you serve it can make all the difference! For presentation, try ladling the stew into a rustic bowl. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color.
Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping into that glorious gravy. A side of buttery mashed potatoes is another cracking good option.
As for drinks, a nice pint of ale or a glass of bold red wine like a Merlot will complement the rich flavors beautifully, especially if you are making beef stew with red wine crockpot
Storage Like a Champ
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This stew tastes even better the next day. Once it’s cooled down, bung it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge.
It'll happily keep for 3-4 days . Fancy making a big batch and freezing some? Absolutely! Divide it into freezer safe containers.
It'll keep for up to 3 months . To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then gently heat it on the hob or in the microwave.
Easy peasy.
Twist It Up
Feeling adventurous? Let's try some variations! For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy.
Swapping regular potatoes with sweet potatoes will add a lovely sweetness. If you are doing a one pot beef stew recipe , be careful not to overcrowd the pot.
You can also use slow cooker beef chuck stew or any other cut of beef that you find tasty. For a lighter version, add more root vegetables and use a leaner cut of beef.
Nutrition Nuggets
This hearty beef stew recipe is packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the vegetables. Beef is a good source of iron and zinc, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals.
It’s a well rounded meal that'll keep you feeling full and satisfied. Of course, like all the crockpot stew recipes , the calories can add up, so portion control is key if you're watching your waistline.
Aim for a balanced plate with plenty of veggies! Don't be too concerned, the best beef stew crockpot recipe is a pleasure!
So there you have it! A few extra nuggets to help you on your way to stew perfection. Have a go, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy! Happy cooking, my friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this beef stew crockpot recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making this beef stew a day or two in advance often improves the flavour. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and then gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just like a good cuppa, sometimes it's even better the next day!
My beef stew seems a bit watery. How can I thicken it up?
No worries, that's an easy fix! You can create a slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (or plain flour) with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Alternatively, remove about a cup of the stew liquid, mix it with a tablespoon of flour, then stir it back into the crockpot. Let it cook a bit longer to thicken Bob's your uncle!
What's the best cut of beef to use for a beef stew crockpot recipe?
Chuck roast is generally considered the best choice. It has a good amount of marbling (fat) which renders down during the slow cooking process, resulting in tender and flavourful beef. You can also use stewing beef, which is often pre-cut chuck. Just be sure to trim off any large pieces of gristle.
Can I freeze leftover beef stew?
Definitely! Beef stew freezes incredibly well. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
You can also freeze in individual portions for a quick and easy lunch.
I don't have red wine. Is it essential to this beef stew crockpot recipe, or can I leave it out?
The red wine adds a lovely depth of flavour, but it's certainly not essential. If you don't have any on hand (or prefer not to use it), simply substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth. A splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce can also add a bit of complexity.
It'll still be a cracking good stew, promise!
Is beef stew healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Beef stew can be a nutritious meal! It provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and fiber from the beef and vegetables. To keep it healthier, opt for leaner cuts of beef, use low-sodium broth, and load up on veggies.
Just be mindful of portion sizes, as it can be calorie dense everything in moderation, as they say!
The Ultimate Cozy Crockpot Beef Stew
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
