Crock Pot Beef Stew

Crock Pot Beef Stew is a warm, hearty dish that everyone loves. It brings together tender beef, soft vegetables, and rich flavors, all cooked slowly to perfection. This recipe is easy to prepare, and it lets your crock pot do all the work while you enjoy your day.

Why Make This Recipe

Making beef stew in a crock pot is perfect for busy days. You can prepare it in the morning, set it up, and come home to a delicious meal. It’s great for cold days or family gatherings, and everyone will enjoy a bowl of this comforting stew.

How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 packages dry onion soup mix
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 pounds lean beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 5 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 4 carrots (sliced)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bay leaf

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix and paprika. Add the beef stew meat and toss to coat.
2. Transfer the coated beef to a crock pot.
3. Layer the potatoes, carrots, garlic, and bay leaf on top of the meat.
4. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat and vegetables are tender.
6. Stir before serving and remove the bay leaf.

How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Stew

Serve the beef stew hot in bowls. You can add some fresh bread or rolls on the side for dipping. It makes a complete meal that warms you right up!

How to Store Crock Pot Beef Stew

Let the stew cool down, then put it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew

• Cut the beef into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Feel free to add more veggies like peas or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
• For a thicker stew, you can mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in just before serving.

Variation (If Any)

You can add red wine to the broth for a richer taste. You can also make it gluten-free by using gluten-free onion soup mix.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen beef stew meat? Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to cook it longer to ensure it’s fully cooked through.

2. Can I make this stew without a crock pot? Yes, you can cook it in a Dutch oven or a pot on the stove. Just simmer on low heat for about 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.

3. Can I add different vegetables? Absolutely! You can add vegetables like green beans or mushrooms according to your taste.