Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Comfort Meals Recipe

Introduction

This easy crock pot beef stew is the perfect comfort meal for chilly days. Tender beef and hearty vegetables simmer together in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a simple recipe that fills your home with wonderful aromas and satisfies hungry appetites.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-1½ inch cubes
• 1½ cups beef broth (or low-sodium broth)
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional) or additional broth + 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 medium carrots, peeled & cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled & cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (or 2 Tbsp cornstarch for gluten-free)
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh)
• Salt & freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for browning, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper. If browning, toss them in the flour (or gluten-free substitute) to coat. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly caramelized.
2. Step 2: Place the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and potatoes into the slow cooker. Add the browned beef on top.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (or extra broth plus balsamic vinegar), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
5. Step 5: If the stew needs thickening, whisk 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch (or flour) with cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar for brightness. Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes so flavors meld and the broth thickens slightly.
7. Step 7: Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or fresh thyme. Enjoy with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth of flavor, brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker, but you can skip this step for a quicker version.
• Use gluten-free cornstarch instead of flour to make the stew gluten-free.
• Add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for more variety.
• For a richer stew, substitute part of the beef broth with stout beer or use all broth if skipping wine.

Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the stew for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this stew without wine?

Yes, simply replace the wine with an equal amount of beef broth plus 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to maintain the depth of flavor.

Do I have to brown the beef?

Browning the beef adds extra flavor and color, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. The stew will still be delicious.

Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Comfort Meals Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 20 minutes (HIGH)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Tender beef chuck slow-cooked with carrots, potatoes, onions, and a flavorful broth enriched with red wine and tomato paste creates a rich, savory stew. Simple to prepare and full of classic flavors, this recipe delivers a warm, satisfying dish that’s easy to make ahead and perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Vegetables

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1–1½ inch cubes
• 3 medium carrots, peeled & cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled & cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Broth and Seasonings

• 1½ cups beef broth (or low-sodium broth)
• 1 cup dry red wine (optional) or additional broth + 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh)
• Salt & freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Coating and Browning

• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (or 2 Tbsp cornstarch for gluten-free)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for browning, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry and season them with salt and pepper. If browning, toss the beef in the flour or gluten-free substitute to coat evenly.
2. Browning the beef (optional): Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until lightly caramelized. Remove and set aside.
3. Layer the crock pot: Place the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and potatoes into the slow cooker. Add the browned beef on top of the vegetables.
4. Mix the broth: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, red wine (or extra broth plus balsamic vinegar), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
5. Cook the stew: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are softened.
6. Thicken the stew (if needed): Whisk 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or flour with cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes to thicken the broth.
7. Final seasoning and resting: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or add a splash of vinegar for brightness. Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes so flavors meld and the broth thickens slightly.
8. Serve: Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or fresh thyme. Pair with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles for a complete comforting meal.

Notes

• Browning the beef is optional but enhances flavor and texture.
• Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the stew.
• Red wine can be substituted with extra beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
• For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch instead of flour for coating and thickening.
• Letting the stew rest before serving improves flavor melding and broth consistency.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
• Category: Stew
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: beef stew, crock pot recipe, slow cooker stew, comfort food, easy beef stew, hearty stew