Crockpot meals have a way of filling your home with the comforting aromas of hearty ingredients simmering together. Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew is no exception; it brings together tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth to create a dish that warms both body and soul. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, this stew serves as an excellent base for your culinary creativity.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to choose this Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly convenient. Once you’ve prepped your ingredients, you simply set your crockpot and let it work its magic. This recipe also leverages the deep, rich flavors that develop when slow cooking meats and vegetables together, resulting in a dish that’s not only delicious but also healthy. With the addition of vibrant carrots, tender potatoes, and peas, you get a well-rounded meal that fulfills your nourishing needs. Plus, it’s easily adaptable, making it a versatile option for different taste preferences.

How to Make Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

Ingredients:

2 ½ pounds of stew meat
½ teaspoon each of black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt
1/4 cup flour
3-6 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons chilled butter (split)
2 cups chopped yellow onions
4 minced garlic cloves
1 cup cabernet sauvignon or merlot wine
4 cups beef stock
2 beef bouillon cubes
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons tomato concentrate
5 medium carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 pound baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved or quartered
2 bay leaves
1 rosemary sprig
1 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup cold water mixed with 3 tablespoons corn starch (optional)
2-3 drops gravy master (optional for a deeper color)

Directions:

Begin by patting the stew meat dry and seasoning it with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Lightly coat the meat with flour, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
In a skillet, heat 3-6 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the floured stew meat in batches, browning it on all sides. Transfer the browned meat to the crockpot.
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of chilled butter and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until the onions become translucent.
Pour in the wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes before adding it to the crockpot.
Add the beef stock, bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato concentrate to the crockpot. Stir in the browned meat.
Add the chopped carrots and halved potatoes, bay leaves, and rosemary sprig. Gently mix to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for about 4 hours, until the meat and vegetables are tender.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas. If desired, create a thicker stew by mixing cold water with cornstarch and adding it to the crockpot, along with a few drops of gravy master for color.
Remove the bay leaves and rosemary sprig before serving.

How to Serve Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

Serve your Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley if desired. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.

How to Store

This stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, it freezes well! To freeze, let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Tips to Make

For added depth of flavor, allow the stew to sit overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The flavors will deepen and meld beautifully.
Experiment with additional vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for a unique twist.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños during cooking.

Variation

Feel free to swap out the beef for chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative! Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as poultry will generally cook faster than beef. You can also use different wines or broth types to switch up the flavor base, or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cut beef stew meat?
Absolutely! Pre-cut beef stew meat saves time and is designed specifically for slow cooking.

2. Is it necessary to brown the meat first?
While browning the meat adds depth to the flavor, it’s not strictly necessary. You may skip this step and still achieve a delicious stew.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Yes! Feel free to include vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, but adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is perfectly tender.