Are you ready to warm your soul with a comforting bowl of Classic Crock Pot Beef Stew? This hearty American dish is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, allowing you to come home to a deliciously rich and aromatic meal that practically cooks itself! With tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth that will have your taste buds dancing, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good stew. Dive into our step-by-step guide and discover the secrets to making this family favorite that’s sure to impress at the dinner table!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck and cut into 1-inch uniform cubes, ensuring even cooking and tenderness.
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, coating each piece thoroughly to enhance flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef cubes in batches, creating a rich caramelized exterior. This step helps develop deeper flavor before slow cooking.
- Transfer the browned beef cubes to the crock pot, creating an even layer at the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Chop onions, mince garlic, slice carrots, and dice potatoes into roughly similar-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking.
- Add chopped vegetables, minced garlic, tomato paste, and dried thyme to the crock pot, distributing ingredients evenly around the beef.
- Pour beef broth over the meat and vegetables, ensuring all ingredients are mostly submerged but not completely covered.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, allowing the stew to cook slowly for 7-8 hours until beef becomes tender and vegetables are soft.
- About 30 minutes before serving, check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the stew seems too thin, leave the lid slightly ajar to reduce and thicken the sauce.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For the best flavor and tenderness, use beef chuck. It becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked, making it perfect for stews.
- Don’t Skip Browning: Take the time to brown the beef cubes before adding them to the crock pot. This step adds a depth of flavor that elevates your stew.
- Uniform Vegetable Sizes: Chop your vegetables into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly. This way, you won’t end up with mushy carrots while your potatoes are still firm.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper! Season the beef well before cooking, and taste the stew about 30 minutes before serving to adjust the flavors.
- Thicken the Stew: If you find your stew too thin, leave the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate, thickening the sauce.
- Serve with Bread: Pair your stew with crusty bread for dipping. It’s the perfect way to enjoy every last drop of that delicious broth!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
