Description
A hearty and comforting Crockpot Beef Stew packed with tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. This easy slow-cooker recipe uses simple ingredients and minimal prep for a satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 pounds boneless stewing beef cubes or chuck
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- 3 bay leaves
Vegetables
- 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into large bite-size pieces
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into large bite-size pieces
- 3 sticks celery, chopped
Liquids and Thickener
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in flavor before slow cooking.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef to the crockpot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
- Cook the Stew: Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew 30 minutes before the end of cooking and continue to cook until the stew thickens.
- Final Seasoning: Remove bay leaves, taste the stew, and adjust salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- Tomato paste adds richness and depth of flavor to the stew. You can substitute with canned crushed tomatoes if preferred but adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Using Yukon Gold potatoes keeps the stew from becoming mushy as they hold their shape well during slow cooking.
- For a thicker stew without cornstarch, cook uncovered in the last 30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
- Feel free to add herbs such as thyme or rosemary for enhanced aroma and flavor.
Keywords: crockpot beef stew, slow cooker stew, easy beef stew, comfort food, hearty stew