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**Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew: A Comforting Classic for Every Season**
When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of **Crock Pot Beef Stew**. This classic dish is the epitome of comfort food—packed with tender beef, rich broth, and a medley of vegetables. With the magic of a slow cooker, this recipe requires minimal prep time and delivers a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth stew that will have everyone at the table coming back for seconds.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to make, comforting, and perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends, then this **Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew** is the perfect dish to add to your recipe repertoire. Let’s dive into why this stew is a must-try and how to make it.
### **Why You’ll Love Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew**
1. **Easy to Make**: One of the best things about making beef stew in the crock pot is how hands-off it is. Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and let the crock pot work its magic. The low and slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender and the flavors develop beautifully.
2. **Perfect Comfort Food**: There’s something incredibly satisfying about a steaming bowl of beef stew on a cool evening. The savory broth, hearty vegetables, and tender beef combine for a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
3. **Great for Meal Prep**: This stew is a fantastic make-ahead meal. The flavors only get better after a day or two, making it perfect for leftovers. It also freezes well, so you can stash some away for later if you have a busy week ahead.
4. **Customizable**: The beauty of beef stew is that you can make it your own. Add more vegetables, switch up the seasoning, or even use a different cut of meat. The possibilities are endless, and the recipe is very adaptable.
### **Ingredients for Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew**
The ingredients for this recipe are simple and can be found in most kitchens. This stew relies on hearty vegetables, tender beef, and a flavorful broth that all meld together beautifully in the slow cooker.
#### **For the Stew:**
– **2 lbs beef stew meat** (chuck roast or round steak, cut into 1-2 inch cubes)
– **4 cups beef broth** (or more for desired consistency)
– **4 medium potatoes**, peeled and diced
– **3 carrots**, peeled and sliced
– **1 medium onion**, chopped
– **3 cloves garlic**, minced
– **2 celery stalks**, chopped
– **1 cup frozen peas** (optional, added toward the end of cooking)
– **2 bay leaves**
– **1 tablespoon tomato paste** (optional, for added depth)
– **Salt and pepper** to taste
#### **For the Seasoning:**
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme**
– **1 teaspoon dried rosemary**
– **1/2 teaspoon paprika** (for a subtle smoky flavor)
– **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder** (for extra flavor)
– **1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce** (optional, for richness)
#### **For Thickening the Stew:**
– **1/4 cup all-purpose flour** (or cornstarch for gluten-free option)
– **1/4 cup cold water** (for making a slurry)
### **How to Make Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew**
This crock pot recipe couldn’t be easier! Simply gather your ingredients, layer them in the slow cooker, and let it cook low and slow for a delicious, hearty stew that’s ready to enjoy.
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Vegetables**
Start by cutting the beef stew meat into bite-sized cubes. If desired, you can brown the meat in a skillet for added flavor, though this step is optional if you prefer a quicker method. Next, chop the vegetables—dice the potatoes, slice the carrots, chop the onion and celery, and mince the garlic.
#### **Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot**
Place the beef stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, and celery into the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, tomato paste (if using), and seasonings: thyme, rosemary, paprika, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Toss everything together to combine and make sure the meat and vegetables are submerged in the broth.
#### **Step 3: Cook the Stew**
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on **low** for **7-8 hours** or on **high** for **4-5 hours**. The longer you cook it, the more tender the beef will be, and the flavors will have time to develop. About 30 minutes before the stew is finished cooking, add in the frozen peas, if using. This gives them just enough time to cook through without getting too mushy.
**Step 4: Thicken the Stew**
Once the stew is done cooking and the beef is tender, you can thicken the broth if desired. To do this, create a slurry by mixing the flour with cold water in a small bowl. Slowly stir this mixture into the stew, and let it cook on high for another 15-20 minutes. This will help thicken the broth to your preferred consistency. If you’re using cornstarch instead of flour, use the same ratio and method for the slurry.
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