ADVERTISEMENT
—
### How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew
#### Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional)
1. **Brown the Beef**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides. This step adds a rich flavor to the stew but can be skipped if you’re in a hurry.
2. **Deglaze the Pan**: After the beef is browned, pour a little bit of the beef broth into the skillet and scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. This helps capture all the flavor and can be added to the slow cooker for extra depth.
#### Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
1. **Transfer to the Crock Pot**: Place the browned beef, beef broth, chopped carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.
2. **Season**: Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
#### Step 3: Cook the Stew
1. **Cook on Low**: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
2. **Check Seasoning**: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
#### Step 4: Thicken the Stew (Optional)
1. **Create a Slurry**: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to form a slurry.
2. **Add to the Stew**: Once the stew is done cooking, add the slurry to the slow cooker and stir it in. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on high, or until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
3. **Add Frozen Peas**: Stir in the frozen peas during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
1. **Remove the Bay Leaf**: Before serving, be sure to remove the bay leaf from the stew.
2. **Serve**: Ladle the beef stew into bowls and serve hot. Pair it with a slice of warm, crusty bread for a complete meal.
—
### Tips for the Best Crock Pot Beef Stew
1. **Choose the Right Cut of Meat**: For the best flavor and texture, use beef stew meat or chuck roast. These cuts become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, making them perfect for stews.
2. **Use Fresh Vegetables**: Fresh vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery add great flavor and texture to the stew. Frozen peas are a nice addition, but they should be added towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
3. **Thicken with Cornstarch**: If you prefer a thicker stew, use cornstarch. This helps create a nice, rich texture without altering the flavor.
4. **Customize the Vegetables**: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
5. **Add Wine**: For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine when deglazing the pan after browning the beef.
—
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– **Easy and Hands-Off**: Once you’ve added the ingredients to the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it! The slow cooking process does all the hard work for you, so you can focus on other things.
– **Perfect for Meal Prep**: This stew makes great leftovers. It gets even more flavorful the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or to feed a crowd.
– **Hearty and Filling**: Packed with protein, vegetables, and savory broth, this stew is a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
– **Comforting and Cozy**: There’s nothing like a warm bowl of beef stew on a cold day. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together around the table.
—
### Conclusion
**Crock Pot Beef Stew** is the perfect recipe for a busy day when you want a delicious and filling meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful, hearty dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for the family or preparing leftovers for the week, this stew is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of a homemade stew that’s ready whenever you are!
ADVERTISEMENT
