Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is a perfect meal for busy days or chilly evenings. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a warm and hearty dish that the whole family will love. This recipe allows you to toss everything into a slow cooker and go about your day. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors and makes the beef tender and juicy. Plus, it fills your home with the delicious smell of cooking stew. With just a few easy steps, you can enjoy a homemade dinner with hardly any effort!

Why Make This Recipe

Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is not only tasty but also incredibly convenient. There’s no need to stand over the stove or fuss over complicated steps. You can prepare it in the morning and let it cook all day. This recipe is also very forgiving; you can add or swap ingredients based on what you have at home. It’s perfect for cold weather and is a fantastic way to feed a crowd or have leftovers for lunch the next day.

How to Make Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew

Ingredients

2 lbs beef stew meat

4 cups beef broth

3 carrots, chopped

3 potatoes, cubed

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 bay leaf

Directions

1. In a slow cooker, add the beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
3. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
5. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew

Serve the beef stew hot, and enjoy it with some crusty bread or over rice. You can add fresh herbs on top for a burst of flavor. This dish is also great for meal prep, as it warms up nicely for lunch or dinner later in the week.

How to Store Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the stew in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Tips to Make Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew

• For extra flavor, sear the beef in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
• You can add other vegetables like green beans or peas for more variety.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last hour of cooking.

Variations

Try adding red wine for a rich flavor or use different herbs like rosemary or oregano. You can also make a vegetarian version by replacing the beef with mushrooms and using vegetable broth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen beef stew meat?

Yes, you can, but it may take a bit longer to cook.

Is it okay to leave the lid off while cooking?

It’s best to keep the lid on to retain heat and moisture.

What can I do with leftovers?

You can reheat and serve it over rice or make a beef stew pot pie.

Can I add beans to the stew?

Yes! Adding canned beans can give extra protein and texture.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes, just simmer it on low heat for about 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.

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