why make this recipe

Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew is a delicious and hearty meal perfect for chilly days. This dish warms you up and fills your belly with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich broth. It’s easy to prepare, and since it cooks slowly in the crockpot, you can set it and forget it until dinnertime. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward.

how to make Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Directions

1. In your trusty crockpot, toss together the beef cubes, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until nicely blended.
3. Pour this savory concoction over the beef and veggies in the crockpot.
4. Cover it up and let the magic unfold on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until that beef is fork-tender.
5. If you want to add a little flair, stir in some frozen peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a burst of color and flavor.
6. Serve this heartwarming stew warm and enjoy every comforting bite!

how to serve Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

Serve the beef stew hot in bowls. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with some crusty bread for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top can add a nice touch, too.

how to store Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

To store leftovers, let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

• Get the best beef: Use quality beef chuck for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Cut veggies evenly: Ensure your vegetables are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add more herbs or spices according to your taste.
• Use leftover beef: If you have leftover cooked beef, you can add it to the stew to save time.

variation

You can switch out the vegetables based on your preferences. For instance, add green beans, parsnips, or turnips. You can also use chicken instead of beef for a lighter take on this comforting dish.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A: Yes! You can use fresh herbs for more flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

Q: Is it okay to skip the tomato paste?
A: While the tomato paste adds depth to the stew, you can omit it if you prefer a lighter flavor.

Q: Can I cook this stew overnight?
A: Yes, you can! If your crockpot has a timer, just set it to cook on low overnight and it’ll be ready in the morning. Just keep in mind that it may need some additional seasoning afterward.