This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is perfect for busy days! Just toss in tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and broth, then let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
I love how I can come home to a warm, hearty meal waiting for me. Plus, the smell fills the house and makes everyone hungry—who can resist that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast is a great choice. It’s affordable and becomes tender when cooked low and slow. If you need a leaner option, use sirloin. You can also swap in ground beef, but the texture will be different.
Potatoes: I use russet potatoes for their fluffiness after cooking. However, Yukon gold potatoes work well too. If you want a low-carb option, try using cauliflower instead.
Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness; baby carrots are a quick alternative. If you’re short on time, frozen carrots are a convenient choice too!
Broth: Beef broth provides rich flavor. Feel free to use vegetable broth for a lighter taste or chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand. For a gluten-free option, make sure to check the broth label.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary give great flavor. If you prefer fresh herbs, use three times the amount. You can also try Italian seasoning in a pinch.
How Do You Get Tender Meat in Slow Cooking?
To achieve tender beef in this stew, browning the meat is key. This step boosts flavor significantly. Follow these tips for perfect results:
- Use medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd your skillet; brown in batches if necessary.
- Once the meat is browned, don’t skip letting it cook low and slow. Low heat allows the beef to break down and become tender over time.
- Adding liquid ingredients at the right time helps keep the moisture locked in. Start with the broth mix to steam and infuse flavors.
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Busy Days
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Beef and Vegetables:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquids and Seasonings:
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This beef stew takes about 15 minutes of prep time and needs to cook for 7-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the crock pot. It’s a perfect “set it and forget it” meal that cooks while you handle your busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat (Optional):
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, turning to brown all sides. This step adds lots of flavor but you can skip it if you’re short on time!
2. Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot:
Transfer the browned beef into the crock pot. Next, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic directly on top of the beef.
3. Mix the Broth and Seasonings:
In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, water, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and flour until everything is well-combined and smooth. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot.
4. Combine and Cook:
Gently stir everything in the crock pot to make sure it’s mixed well. Then, cover the pot and set it to cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and the veggies are nice and soft.
5. Add Peas:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas, if using. This will add a pop of color and fresh flavor to your stew!
6. Final Touches:
Once it’s done cooking, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting bite. It’s perfect with a slice of crusty bread or spooned over rice!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
Can I Use Frozen Beef Stew Meat?
Yes, you can! However, it’s best to thaw the meat in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can use it straight from the freezer, but add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked.
Can I Skip Browning the Meat?
Absolutely! While browning the meat enhances the flavor of the stew, you can directly add the raw meat to the crock pot if you’re short on time. The stew will still turn out delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container!
What Can I Substitute for the Vegetables?
You can customize the veggies based on your preferences! Feel free to use parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even bell peppers. Just be mindful of cooking times for different vegetables that may need longer or shorter cooking periods.
