Warm up your family with a hearty, delicious beef stew, slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. This stew features tender chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes, all enveloped in a rich, savory gravy that is bound to satisfy.
Ingredients:
2 lbs beef stew meat (cubed)
4 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
3 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
1 large onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup flour (for thickening)
2 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Brown the beef stew meat on all sides, then transfer it to the crockpot.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the onions and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the tomato paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Slow Cook: To the crockpot, add the sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Thicken the Gravy: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Add it to the crockpot and stir to thicken the stew. Let it cook for the final 30 minutes to allow the gravy to set.
Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the stew hot with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
Tips:
For Extra Flavor: Try adding a bay leaf during the cooking process and remove it before serving.
Wine Option: The red wine adds depth to the gravy, but you can substitute it with more beef broth if preferred.
Freezer-Friendly: This stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container and reheat when needed.
Enjoy a cozy and filling meal with minimal effort, perfect for busy days or cold weather!
Thick and Cozy Crock Pot Beef Stew
