Crockpot Beef Stew

Name: Crockpot Beef Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 carrots, sliced; 4 potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup red wine (optional); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Crockpot Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for chilly days. This slow-cooked meal is filled with tender beef, vegetables, and rich flavors, making it a family favorite.

Created by

Ella Townsend

Last updated on 2025-12-18T13:56:28.490Z

This Crockpot Beef Stew brings together the warmth of home-cooked meals with the convenience of slow cooking. Let the flavors meld together as it simmers throughout the day, making your kitchen smell divine.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Tender beef that falls apart with a fork
A medley of vegetables for a nutritious touch
Convenient one-pot meal that's easy to prepare

      

The Benefits of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is not just a method; it's a way to infuse flavors and tenderness into your meals. When you prepare dishes like Crockpot Beef Stew, the low and slow heat allows the beef to break down, resulting in fork-tender bites that are rich in flavor. This method also helps retain the nutrients in vegetables, making every bowl of stew not only delicious but also nourishing.

One of the greatest advantages of using a crockpot is the convenience it offers. You can set it and forget it, allowing you to go about your day while your meal cooks. This makes it an ideal choice for busy families or anyone who wants to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Perfect Pairings

Crockpot Beef Stew is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Crusty bread is a classic choice, perfect for soaking up the rich broth and adding a satisfying crunch. You might also consider serving it with a light salad to balance out the hearty flavors, or even over a bed of rice for a comforting twist.

If you're enjoying this stew on a special occasion, a glass of red wine can enhance the meal experience. The wine used in the recipe adds depth to the stew, and enjoying a similar varietal on the side can complement the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers from your Crockpot Beef Stew are a delightful bonus, offering a quick meal option for the days ahead. To store, simply allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label your containers with the date for easy tracking.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. You can warm it up on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but remember to cover them to retain moisture. Enjoying this stew again is almost as good as the first time!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make a delicious Crockpot Beef Stew:

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 carrots, sliced
4 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure all the ingredients are prepped and ready before starting your crockpot.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Crockpot Beef Stew:

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic. Cut the beef into cubes and season with salt and pepper.

Brown the Beef

In a skillet, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes. This step adds depth to the flavor.

Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Place the browned beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic into the crockpot. Add the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Serve

Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Your Crockpot Beef Stew is now ready to be enjoyed!

Nutritional Highlights

Crockpot Beef Stew is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. The beef provides a rich source of protein and iron, which are vital for muscle health and energy production. The addition of colorful vegetables like carrots and potatoes enhances the stew's nutritional profile, offering vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that support overall health.

Each serving of this stew is a balanced meal, making it a fantastic option for families looking to nourish their bodies with wholesome ingredients. The variety of vegetables ensures that you're getting a broad spectrum of nutrients, making this dish as beneficial as it is comforting.

Customization Options

One of the best aspects of a Crockpot Beef Stew is its flexibility. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. You can swap out the beef for chicken or even make it vegetarian by using mushrooms or jackfruit as the base protein. Adding different vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or green beans can also enhance the flavor and texture.

Spice lovers can amp up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a more robust flavor, consider incorporating Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce into the broth. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a stew that’s uniquely yours!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen beef?

It's best to use fresh beef for optimal texture, but you can use thawed beef if necessary.

→ Can I make this stew without wine?

Yes, you can simply omit the wine and use additional beef broth instead.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this stew?

This stew pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or a simple green salad.