If you are craving a hearty, soul-soothing meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than this Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of beef melting in your mouth, perfectly combined with vibrant vegetables and a rich, savory broth that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma. This stew is an absolute classic done right, effortlessly bringing together simple ingredients to create a dish that tastes like it took hours of love and care, all while you go about your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this stew so memorable. From the tender beef to the medley of fresh vegetables, everything comes together beautifully with a handful of seasonings to elevate the taste.
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into 1 inch cubes: Choose well-marbled beef for the best tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour: Helps create a nice coating that thickens the stew and adds a subtle nuttiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the stew.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the beef to lock in moisture and develop rich caramelized flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth: The base liquid provides a savory backbone that’s full of umami.
- 3 medium carrots sliced: Adds sweetness and bright color to balance the dish.
- 3 medium potatoes peeled and cubed: Hearty and starchy, they soak up all the delicious flavors while softening to perfection.
- 2 celery stalks sliced: Brings a subtle earthiness and a slight crunch even after cooking.
- 1 medium onion chopped: Provides a natural fragrance that melts into the broth.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Infuses the stew with a warm, aromatic layer that wakes up the taste buds.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a tangy richness and deep red color to the stew.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts complexity and piquancy in the broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an herbal, slightly floral note to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Contributes a piney, fragrant kick that pairs beautifully with beef.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse subtle herbal depth as they simmer with the stew.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for a fresh pop of color and sweetness.
How to Make Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Coat and Brown the Beef
Start by tossing the beef cubes in a mixture of flour, salt, and black pepper until they’re evenly coated. This step not only helps thicken the stew later but also adds a beautiful crust when seared. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches. Make sure every side of the beef gets that lovely caramelization which will add a deep, rich flavor to your stew.
Step 2: Layer Vegetables Over the Beef
Transfer your beautifully browned beef to the crockpot and then layer the carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic on top. Each veggie will slowly soften during cooking, imparting their unique sweetness and earthiness to the stew’s heartwarming broth.
Step 3: Prepare and Pour Broth Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour this flavorful liquid over the layered ingredients in your crockpot. Don’t forget to add in the bay leaves—they’ll lend a subtle herbal depth throughout the cooking process.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for about 4 to 5 hours until the beef is meltingly tender and the vegetables are cooked through. This slow cooking allows every ingredient to blend harmoniously, creating a stew that tastes like a warm embrace in a bowl.
Step 5: Add Frozen Peas and Finish
About 30 minutes before the stew is done, stir in the frozen peas. This last-minute addition keeps them bright and slightly crisp, adding a fresh touch to the finished dish. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
How to Serve Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top instantly brightens this stew while adding a gorgeous pop of green. Some freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also enhance the flavors and give it a more polished look.
Side Dishes
This Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is pretty much a full meal on its own but serving it alongside crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes can take it to the next level. A simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette is a refreshing counterpoint to the stew’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the stew in individual rustic bowls with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an extra creamy twist. You could also hollow out a crusty bread bowl and ladle the stew inside for a delightful edible vessel that guests will love to nibble.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stew is a shining star in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and develop, making it a wonderful dish to make ahead for busy evenings.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and be sure to cool the stew completely before freezing. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it back to that perfect comforting consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness and fat content, you can also try brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind tougher cuts may require longer cooking times to become tender.
Is this Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, to keep it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for coating the beef. This won’t affect the deliciousness at all!
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Mushrooms, parsnips, or even turnips make lovely additions. Just chop them similarly and add early enough to cook through during the slow cooking process.
How can I make the stew thicker?
In the final 30 minutes, stir in a slurry made of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. This will thicken the broth nicely without additional flour.
What temperature should I cook the stew on if I’m short on time?
If you need it faster, cook on the high setting for 4 to 5 hours. Low and slow is best for the richest flavors, but high will still yield tender, delicious results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a warm, hearty bowl of stew that brings a sense of comfort and home like nothing else. This Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is my go-to for busy days when I want nourishing food without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your own kitchen – it’s the kind of meal that keeps you cozy from the first spoonful to the last.
Print
Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and wholesome crockpot beef stew featuring tender beef chuck, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs slow-cooked to perfection. This comforting meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying dinner any day of the week.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Coat the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss the beef cubes in this mixture until they are evenly coated to help create a flavorful crust during searing.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, searing all sides to develop rich flavor, then transfer browned beef to the crockpot.
- Add Vegetables: Layer the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, sliced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top of the beef in the crockpot.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Pour this mixture evenly over the ingredients in the crockpot. Add the bay leaves on top.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Add Frozen Peas: Approximately 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, stir in the frozen peas to heat through without overcooking.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting beef stew.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Optional: Add mushrooms or parsnips for an extra depth of flavor.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.
