This easy Crockpot Beef Stew recipe is a comforting dish that comes together with just 10 minutes of prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this stew features tender beef and hearty vegetables simmered in a rich gravy. With its delicious flavors and minimal effort, it’s sure to become a staple in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it while the crockpot does all the work.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce creates a savory taste that enhances every bite.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize your stew by adding your favorite seasonal vegetables or using different cuts of meat.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is loved by both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Enjoy the rich flavors even more the next day, as leftover stew tastes amazing!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start preparing your Crockpot Beef Stew, gather the necessary tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker (crockpot): This tool allows for hands-free cooking while gently tenderizing the beef over several hours.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl is essential for mixing ingredients, especially when creating the slurry for thickening the stew.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps ensure that your cornstarch and water blend smoothly without lumps.
Ingredients
For this delicious Crockpot Beef Stew, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Stew
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 pounds cubed stew beef
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds golden Yukon potatoes (cut into chunks)
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced)
- 1 cup frozen sweet peas
To Thicken
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by pouring the beef broth into the crockpot. Add in the cubed stew beef, then sprinkle with garlic powder, black pepper, salt, beef bouillon, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Next, layer in the golden Yukon potatoes, sliced carrots, and sliced yellow onion. Ensure they are evenly distributed over the beef mixture.
Step 3: Set Your Crockpot
Place the lid on your crockpot. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 4: Incorporate Sweet Peas
Once cooked, add in the frozen sweet peas. Stir them into the stew to warm through.
Step 5: Thicken Your Gravy
To thicken your gravy, prepare a slurry. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the crockpot while stirring continuously until well combined.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Replace the lid and turn your crockpot to high heat. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Serve immediately!
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Stew
Crockpot Beef Stew is a hearty dish that warms the soul and satisfies hunger. Serving it right can elevate your meal experience, making it even more enjoyable for family and friends.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- Pairing your stew with a loaf of crusty bread allows you to soak up the rich gravy, adding texture and flavor to each bite.
Accompany with a Fresh Salad
- A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the stew while adding a refreshing crunch.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Garnishing your stew with freshly chopped parsley or thyme enhances its aroma and adds a pop of color to your presentation.
Add a Dollop of Sour Cream
- A spoonful of sour cream on top can introduce a creamy element that complements the savory flavors of the stew beautifully.
Serve in Individual Bowls
- Presenting the stew in individual bowls adds an inviting touch, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
How to Perfect Crockpot Beef Stew
Perfecting your Crockpot Beef Stew requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best results:
- Choose Quality Meat: Select well-marbled stew beef for tenderness and flavor, as it will break down beautifully during slow cooking.
- Brown the Beef: For added depth, consider browning the beef in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. This enhances flavor through caramelization.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving; this ensures your stew has balanced flavors that suit your palate.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the stew to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together, improving overall taste.
- Use Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporating seasonal vegetables can add freshness and variety to your stew while also boosting nutritional value.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Beef Stew
Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Beef Stew can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic offer a comforting side that complements the richness of the stew.Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture, providing contrast to the tender meat in your stew.Steamed Green Beans
Lightly steamed green beans maintain their vibrant color and snap, making them a nutritious addition alongside your hearty stew.Buttered Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn on the cob brushed with butter brings sweetness that balances out savory flavors in the beef stew.Rice Pilaf
Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs serves as a neutral base that absorbs delicious gravy from the stew perfectly.Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
Soft breadsticks topped with cheese and garlic make for an irresistible companion that everyone will love dipping into their bowls of stew.Cauliflower Rice
A low-carb alternative that soaks up flavors well while providing an extra serving of vegetables without overpowering the dish.Crispy Potato Wedges
Seasoned potato wedges offer a crunchy side that’s fun to eat alongside warm bowls of beef stew.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot Beef Stew, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to keep in mind:
- Overcrowding the crockpot: Adding too many ingredients can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recipe amounts for best results.
- Skipping browning the beef: While not necessary, browning adds flavor. Sear the beef in a pan before adding it to enhance taste.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every broth is different. Taste your stew and adjust seasonings as needed during cooking.
- Not letting it rest: Serving immediately can affect texture. Let the stew sit for a few minutes after cooking for better consistency.
- Forgetting about the thickening step: Always remember to make a slurry for thickening if you want a rich gravy. Don’t skip this crucial step!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Crockpot Beef Stew
- Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Beef Stew
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Crockpot Beef Stew:
How do I make Crockpot Beef Stew more flavorful?
Adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves can enhance flavor. You can also use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.
Can I add other vegetables to my Crockpot Beef Stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or green beans based on your preferences.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Beef Stew?
Cooking time varies by setting; it takes about 4-6 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low until the beef is fork-tender.
What should I serve with Crockpot Beef Stew?
This stew pairs well with crusty bread or over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Beef Stew is not only comforting but also versatile. With minimal prep work and endless customization options, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Try this recipe and discover your new favorite comfort food!
Crockpot Beef Stew
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this easy Crockpot Beef Stew recipe. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal. Tender beef and a medley of hearty vegetables simmer in a rich gravy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The blend of flavors creates a deliciously satisfying dish that everyone will love, and the leftovers are even tastier the next day. Give your family a cozy dinner they won’t forget!
- Total Time: 33 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately six people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 pounds cubed stew beef
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 pounds golden Yukon potatoes (cut into chunks)
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced)
- 1 cup frozen sweet peas
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Pour the beef broth into the crockpot and add cubed stew beef, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, beef bouillon, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Layer in the Yukon potatoes, carrots, and onion evenly over the beef mixture.
- Cover and cook on high for 4–6 hours or low for 6–8 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Stir in the frozen sweet peas once cooked to warm through.
- For thickening, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth, then slowly add to the crockpot while stirring continuously.
- Cook on high for an additional 10 minutes until thickened and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (high) or 8 hours (low)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Choose well-marbled beef for optimal tenderness. Browning the beef before adding it to the pot will enhance flavor. Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or green beans.