recipe beef crock pot
The Best recipe beef crock pot
This recipe is also a great way to get a solid serving of protein and veggies in one dish. The beef is lean but still flavorful, and I love tossing in carrots, potatoes, and onions so it’s a complete meal. It’s filling enough for a family dinner but easy to scale down if it’s just me and my husband. Plus, leftovers reheat perfectly, so I always make extra for lunches the next day. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, satisfying meal that everyone will actually eat, this is it.
Savory Beef Crock Pot Stew
A hearty and comforting beef stew slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot. This dish is packed with tender beef, vegetables, and rich flavors, making it an ideal meal for chilly days.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp water
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Prepare the beef by trimming excess fat and cutting it into 1-inch cubes. -
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring they are seared on all sides. Transfer the beef to the crock pot. -
3
Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the crock pot with the beef. -
4
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot. -
5
Stir everything together, then cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender. -
6
About 30 minutes before serving, add the cubed potatoes to the crock pot and stir to combine. -
7
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crock pot to thicken the stew. -
8
Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 10 minutes. -
9
Remove the bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
🔧Equipment
- Crock pot (slow cooker)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Savory Beef Crock Pot Stew Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Beef Crock Pot Stew
1. Can I use frozen beef in a crock pot recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef in a crock pot, but it’s not recommended for food safety reasons. The USDA advises thawing meat before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. If you must use frozen beef, add at least 1–2 extra hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (for steaks) or 160°F (for ground beef).
2. How long should I cook beef in a crock pot for tender results?
Cooking times vary based on the cut of beef and the recipe, but most beef cuts (like chuck roast or brisket) become tender after 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high. Tougher cuts with more connective tissue benefit from longer, slower cooking. Always check for tenderness with a fork—it should shred easily when done.
3. Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the crock pot?
While browning beef isn’t strictly necessary, it enhances flavor and texture. Searing the meat in a hot pan (with a little oil) creates a Maillard reaction, adding depth to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but your dish may lack complexity. For best results, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Can I add dairy (like milk or cream) to a beef crock pot recipe?
Dairy products like milk, cream, or cheese can curdle or separate if added too early in slow cooking. To prevent this, stir them in during the last 30–60 minutes of cooking or temper them by mixing with a little warm broth before adding. Alternatively, use dairy substitutes like coconut milk or cashew cream for a more stable option.
5. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce in a beef crock pot recipe?
To thicken the sauce, you can:
– Mix cornstarch or flour with cold water (1–2 tbsp per cup of liquid) and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
– Remove the lid for the last 30–60 minutes to allow evaporation.
– Mash a few potatoes or blend a portion of the cooked vegetables into the sauce.
– Use a roux (equal parts butter and flour cooked together) added at the end. Avoid adding raw flour directly, as it can create lumps.
