Crockpot beef stew is a hearty and flavorful dish made by slow-cooking beef and vegetables in a crockpot or slow cooker. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender. Here’s a simple overview of how it’s typically made:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: bay leaves, peas, or other vegetables
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the beef and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Brown the Beef: (Optional) In a skillet, brown the beef pieces in a little oil for extra flavor before adding them to the crockpot.
- Combine in Crockpot: Place the beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic in the crockpot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Once done, serve the stew hot, and enjoy!
Absolutely! You can definitely add other vegetables to your crockpot beef stew to customize it to your taste. Some great options include:
- Celery: Adds a nice crunch and flavor.
- Mushrooms: They bring an earthy taste and pair well with beef.
- Green beans: Add them in the last hour of cooking for some color and texture.
- Parsnips: They add a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Peas: These can be added in the last 30 minutes for a pop of sweetness.
Feel free to experiment with whatever vegetables you enjoy or have on hand! Just keep in mind that denser vegetables like carrots and potatoes take longer to cook, while softer ones like peas should be added later in the cooking process.
Crockpot beef stew is perfect for a comforting meal, especially on colder days!