Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew for Cozy Nights 🥘🌙🥩
1. Introduction
Looking for a comfort food beef recipe that warms you from the inside out? This slow-cooker beef stew is the perfect dish for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a hearty beef dish. With tender chunks of beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth simmered to perfection, this easy beef stew recipe will become your go-to meal for cozy nights. Plus, using a slow cooker makes preparation effortless and allows flavors to meld beautifully over hours of cooking.
2. Ingredients Needed for the Hearty Beef Stew
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew
Gather and Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping your vegetables and cutting the beef into manageable chunks. Season the beef with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Sear the Beef for Rich Flavor
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Searing adds depth to your hearty beef dish.
Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Add the carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, garlic, tomato paste, herbs, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to evenly distribute flavors.
Cook on Low for Maximum Tenderness
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. This slow cooking process ensures your easy beef stew develops a hearty and satisfying flavor.
Finish and Garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve hot for the ultimate cozy night meal.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Hearty Beef Stew
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen it up.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Beef Stew
This comfort food beef recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls. For an extra touch, serve with a side of creamy garlic cheese buns. A simple green salad can also add a fresh contrast to the hearty flavors of the stew.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can substitute with beef stew meat or sirloin, but chuck roast offers the best tenderness and flavor for slow cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for dietary modifications?
Absolutely! You can make it low-sodium by using reduced-salt beef broth or add more vegetables for extra fiber. For a gluten-free version, ensure your beef broth is gluten-free.
How long does it take to prepare this hearty beef dish?
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with 6-8 hours of slow-cooking. It’s perfect for make-ahead dinners or weekend meal prep.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: This large slow cooker makes it easy to prepare and cook your hearty beef stew with minimal effort. Convenience is key for cozy nights!
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Chop vegetables quickly and uniformly with this handy prep tool, saving you time during prep work.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Perfect for searing beef and preparing side dishes, this durable cookware enhances your cooking experience.
8. Related Recipes to Try
9. Conclusion
This hearty crockpot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for chilly nights or Sunday family dinners, it’s a recipe that everyone will love. With tender beef and fresh vegetables simmered to perfection, this easy beef stew will surely become a staple in your home. Embrace the coziness and enjoy a bowl of flavorful goodness tonight!
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Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew for Cozy Nights
A slow cooker beef stew slow-cooked to perfection with tender beef, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a comforting and filling dish.
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck stew meat, cut into chunks
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet; sauté until translucent, then add to the slow cooker.
- Pour beef broth into the slow cooker, then add carrots, potatoes, celery, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce during cooking.
- This stew thickens slightly as it cools; serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg