Warm up with a comforting bowl of Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew, a classic slow-cooked meal that’s rich in flavour and loaded with nutritious ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or cosy weekends, this stew delivers tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savoury broth that the whole family will love.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (Low) or 4–5 hours (High)
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
Vegetables
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (150g) frozen peas (add near the end)
Liquids
- 4 cups (960ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) red wine (optional – substitute with more broth)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Seasonings & Herbs
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
Thickener
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (60ml) water
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare Ingredients
- Season beef with salt and pepper.
- (Optional) Brown beef in a skillet with a little oil for 5–7 minutes for added flavour.
- Peel and chop all vegetables into even pieces.
2. Assemble in Crock Pot
- Place beef at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Layer carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic on top.
- In a bowl, mix beef broth, wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and paprika.
- Pour over the beef and vegetables.
3. Cook
- Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
4. Thicken the Stew
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove bay leaves.
- Mix flour and water in a small bowl to make a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the stew. Cover and continue to cook on High.
5. Add the Peas
- Stir in frozen peas during the final 10 minutes.
6. Serve
- Ladle stew into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, over rice, or egg noodles.
Serving Suggestions
- With Bread: Dip crusty bread in the rich broth.
- Over Grains: Serve over rice or noodles for a fuller meal.
- With Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad.
- With Sour Cream: Add a creamy touch on top.
- Sprinkle Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley boosts flavour and presentation.
Tips & Variations
- Uniform Cutting: Even sizes ensure even cooking.
- Browning Beef: Optional, but adds depth of flavour.
- Thicker Stew: Add more flour slurry or cook uncovered.
- Fresh Herbs: Use 3x the amount of fresh to replace dried herbs.
- Extra Flavour: Try a splash of balsamic vinegar or extra Worcestershire.
Nutritional Benefits
- Beef: High in protein, iron, and B vitamins.
- Carrots & Potatoes: Rich in fibre, vitamins A & C, potassium.
- Garlic & Onion: Provide antioxidants and immune support.
- Beef Broth: Adds collagen and minerals.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: Yes, with gluten-free flour
- Dairy-Free: Yes
- Nut-Free: Yes
- Vegetarian: No, but can use plant-based alternatives
- Low-Carb: Not low-carb, but can reduce portion size
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fibre: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Values are approximate and vary by ingredients used.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: On the stovetop over medium heat. Add water or broth if too thick.
Why You’ll Love This Stew
- Slow-cooked for tender, flavour-packed beef
- Easy, hands-off cooking with minimal prep
- Nutritious and balanced with protein and veg
- Comforting and family-friendly
Conclusion
Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew is a wholesome and flavourful classic that’s ideal for any time of year. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a rich, nourishing meal packed with comforting ingredients and love in every bite.