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Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

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Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

This Crockpot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a chilly day. With tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, it’s a family favorite!

Ingredients

  • Beef and Vegetables:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 pounds boneless stewing beef cubes (or chuck roast)
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (fairly large bite-size pieces)
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into large bite-size pieces
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • For the Broth:
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 3 bay leaves
  • Optional Thickener:
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear half the beef cubes, browning them on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and brown the second batch.
  4. Transfer all seared beef and any juices from the plate to your Crockpot.

2. Cook the Aromatics:

  1. In the same skillet, sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the Crockpot.

3. Assemble the Stew:

  1. Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
  2. Stir the mixture well to combine.
  3. Nestle the bay leaves into the mixture.

4. Cook:

  • Cover and cook on low for 10 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
See also  Panera-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup

5. Thicken the Stew (Optional):

  1. If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
  2. Stir the mixture into the stew and cook for an additional 10 minutes until thickened.

6. Serve:

  • Remove the bay leaves before serving.
  • Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra-hearty meal.

Tips for Success

  • Searing the beef: This step adds depth of flavor to the stew but can be skipped for convenience.
  • Vegetable size: Cut the vegetables into large, uniform pieces to ensure they don’t overcook during the long cooking process.
  • Freezing leftovers: Let the stew cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Enjoy this warm, comforting Crockpot beef stew with your favorite sides!

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