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- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced - 1 large onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups beef broth - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 bay leaves - 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end) When you make cozy crockpot beef stew, fresh ingredients really make a difference. I love using beef chuck. It’s tender and full of flavor. Look for nice marbling. The fat adds richness to the stew. Carrots and Yukon gold potatoes offer sweetness and texture. The potatoes become soft and soak up all the tasty broth. Don’t forget the onion and garlic. They add depth and aroma. For seasoning, beef broth is key. It gives the stew a hearty base. Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce boost the umami. I use dried thyme and rosemary for warmth. They work well with beef. Olive oil helps with browning the meat. Salt and pepper are essential for taste. If you want more flavor, bay leaves can be great. They add a lovely herbal note. Frozen peas are a fun touch. They add color and sweetness. Toss them in during the last half hour. This stew is about layering flavor and enjoying every bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by searing the beef. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season 2 pounds of beef chuck with salt and pepper. Brown the beef cubes in batches for about 4 to 5 minutes. Make sure each piece gets nice and brown on all sides. This step adds great flavor. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crockpot. Next, we will cook the vegetables. In the same skillet, add one large diced onion and three cloves of minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion looks soft and clear. This brings out their natural sweetness. After that, transfer this mixture to the crockpot. Now it’s time to combine all the ingredients. Add 4 medium sliced carrots, 4 diced Yukon gold potatoes, and 4 cups of beef broth. Include 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 2 bay leaves. Stir everything gently to mix well. Finally, cover the crockpot and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add 1 cup of frozen peas. This gives the stew a pop of color and sweetness. Before serving, remove the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy the warm and hearty flavors! To make your beef stew shine, think about your seasonings. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Adding a splash of soy sauce can bring a nice umami kick. If you want a hint of sweetness, a bit of brown sugar works wonders too. To enhance the beef flavor, use beef broth instead of water. The broth adds rich depth and makes the stew more hearty. Searing the meat is a key step. When you brown the beef, it locks in the juices and adds flavor. It also creates a nice color for your dish. For thickening your stew, there are a few options. You can use cornstarch mixed with cold water. Another way is to mash some of the potatoes in the stew for a natural thickening effect. Pair your stew with crusty bread. It soaks up all the rich juices and adds to the meal. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for crunch. For presentation, use deep bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and makes your dish look gourmet. Enjoy your cozy meal! Pro Tips Brown the Beef: Searing the beef before adding it to the crockpot enhances the flavor and adds depth to your stew. Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor profile. Thicken the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the stew before serving and adjust the seasoning, as flavors can mellow during cooking. {{image_2}} You can change up the veggies in your stew. Try adding bell peppers, green beans, or even mushrooms. Seasonal swaps work great too. In fall, use butternut squash or sweet potatoes. In spring, add fresh asparagus or zucchini for a bright touch. You don’t have to stick with beef chuck. Cuts like brisket or round work well too. If you want chicken, use thighs for moisture. You can also try a vegetarian option. Lentils or chickpeas can add protein and texture. Just adjust the cooking time! Let’s spice things up! Swap out thyme and rosemary for fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. You can also add sauces for a kick. A splash of hot sauce or a spoonful of chili paste can add heat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors until it feels right! To store your beef stew in the fridge, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. For freezing, divide the stew into portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. The best way to reheat beef stew is on the stove. Pour the stew into a pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir often until it's hot. You can also use a microwave. Place the stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. You can keep beef stew in the fridge for about three to four days. After that, it may spoil. Signs that your stew has gone bad include a sour smell or mold on the surface. If you see either, toss it out. Always trust your nose and eyes; they don’t lie! Yes, you can cook this stew on high. Just adjust the time. Set your crockpot to high for about 4 hours. This will speed up the cooking process. The meat will still be tender and flavorful. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter taste. Chicken broth works too. If you prefer a richer flavor, try using mushroom broth. Each option gives a unique twist to your stew. To make this stew gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. You can also use cornstarch instead of flour for a thickener. Yes, adding wine can enhance the flavors. Use a dry red wine for the best results. Add about 1 cup when you combine the other liquids. This adds depth to the overall taste. To recap, we explored key ingredients for a tasty beef stew. We covered everything, from main ingredients like beef chuck and veggies to seasonings that boost flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting flavor, and variations to try. In the end, making this stew can be fun and easy. Enjoy creating a dish that warms your heart and fills your belly. Happy cooking!

Cozy Crockpot Beef Stew

A hearty and comforting beef stew cooked slowly in a crockpot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 medium carrots, sliced
  • 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

Instructions
 

  • Sear the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches for about 4-5 minutes until each piece is browned on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot.
  • Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic; sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Transfer the mixture to the crockpot.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves into the crockpot. Stir everything gently to combine.
  • Set the Crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
  • Add Peas: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas to add a pop of color and sweetness.
  • Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaves before serving, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

Serve the stew in deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a touch of color. Pair with crusty bread for a cozy meal!
Keyword beef stew, comfort food, crockpot