Comfort food at its finest, Crockpot Beef Stew is the dish that warms your soul. With tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors, this recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Just imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of a simmering stew after a long day. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Let’s dive into this deliciously comforting dish!

What You’ll Need for Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

To create this amazing stew, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
1 cup (240 ml) red wine (optional, for richer flavor)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil, for searing

Gather these ingredients to prepare a hearty meal that everyone in the family will love!

How to Make Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

Ready to make some magic in your kitchen? Follow these simple steps to create your delicious stew:

Prepare the Beef: Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper.
Sear the Beef: Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef pieces and sear them until browned on all sides. This step adds rich flavor and improves the texture of the stew.
Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Once the beef is nicely browned, transfer it to your crockpot. Add in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and beef broth. If you’re using red wine, pour it in as well. Stir everything well to combine.
Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for about 4-5 hours. You want the beef to be fork-tender and the vegetables to be soft.
Final Touches: Once cooked, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water and stir it in to thicken.

How to Serve Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

Serving this comforting meal is just as important as making it. For the best experience:

Ladle the stew into bowls and serve it hot.
Pair with crispy, crusty bread for dipping, or spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying combo.
Don’t forget some fresh parsley on top for a splash of color and added flavor!

Expert Tips for Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

To make your stew even better, consider these tips and variations:

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or mushrooms. Just cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Herbs & Spices: Experiment with other herbs like bay leaves or Oregano for a unique taste.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare all the ingredients the night before. Just store them in the fridge and toss everything into the crockpot in the morning for an easy dinner!

Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew FAQs

Can I use different cuts of beef?

Yes! While chuck roast is ideal, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast. Just ensure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Can I make this stew without wine?

Absolutely! You can simply substitute the wine with more beef broth for a similar depth of flavor.

Cozy up with a bowl of Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew today! It’s a delightful way to feed your family and warm your home. Let’s get cooking!

Crockpot Beef Stew

This comforting crockpot beef stew features tender beef and hearty vegetables, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 15

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces Use a good quality cut for the best flavor.
4 pieces carrots, sliced
3 pieces potatoes, peeled and diced Yukon gold or russet potatoes work well.
1 piece onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Flavorings

2 cups beef broth Use low-sodium broth if preferred.
1 cup red wine (optional) For a richer flavor; can substitute with more beef broth.
2 tablespoons tomato paste Enhances the stew's depth of flavor.

Spices

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
to taste Salt and pepper

For Searing

as needed Olive oil For searing the beef.

Method

Preparation

Trim any excess fat from the beef and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Searing the Beef

Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef pieces and sear them until browned on all sides.

Combining Ingredients

Transfer the browned beef to your crockpot. Add in the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and beef broth. Stir in red wine if using.

Slow Cooking

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for about 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.

Final Touches

Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. For a thicker stew, mix a slurry of cornstarch and water and stir it in.

Notes

For variations, consider adding other vegetables like peas or green beans. You can also try different herbs for unique flavors. Prepare the night prior for an easy morning setup.