Crockpot Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days. Slow-cooked to perfection, this stew is packed with tender beef, vegetables, and rich flavors, making it a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 medium carrots (sliced)
• 4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning, optional)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

Timing

Making Crockpot Beef Stew takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 8 hours for cooking on low or 4 hours on high.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Brown the Beef (Optional): In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

1. Add Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine the browned beef (or raw beef if not browning), beef broth, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and additional salt and pepper.
2. Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, toss the beef cubes in flour before adding them to the crockpot.

Step 3: Cook the Stew

1. Set the Crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
2. Add Peas: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas.

Step 4: Serve

1. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
2. Enjoy: Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Crockpot Beef Stew (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	30g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers for more flavor and nutrition.
• Herb Additions: Fresh herbs like parsley or bay leaves can enhance the flavor; add them during the last hour of cooking.
• Spicy Option: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Conclusion

Crockpot Beef Stew is a delicious and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and delivers big flavor. Perfect for meal prep, it’s a great way to feed the family with a warm and hearty dish!