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Tender Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe Easy Hearty Vegetable Dinner Ideas

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A comforting and easy-to-make crockpot beef stew loaded with tender beef and hearty vegetables, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into chunks
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Chop carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic. Cut beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes. This should take 15-20 minutes.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches for about 5 minutes per batch until golden crust forms. Transfer browned beef to the crockpot.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, cook diced onion and celery until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Scrape browned bits from skillet bottom.
  4. Deglaze the pan: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup beef broth, scraping the pan to loosen stuck bits.
  5. Combine everything: Transfer onion mixture and broth to crockpot. Add chopped carrots, diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour in remaining 3 cups beef broth.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
  7. Thicken the stew: About 30 minutes before serving, mix flour with 1/2 cup cold water to make a slurry. Stir into crockpot and cook uncovered to thicken. Use cornstarch for a smoother texture if preferred.
  8. Final seasoning: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Add a splash of broth or water if stew is too thick.

Notes

Brown the beef before slow cooking to add depth and caramelization. Add potatoes and carrots halfway through cooking if you prefer firmer vegetables. Use cornstarch instead of flour for gluten-free thickening. A splash of red wine vinegar or Dijon mustard at the end can brighten flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, crockpot beef stew, slow cooker stew, hearty beef stew, comfort food, easy dinner, vegetable stew

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