If you’re craving a meal that wraps you in warmth and comfort with every spoonful, this Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a hearty, soul-satisfying dish packed with tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that simmers low and slow to develop deep, satisfying flavors. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a day when you want something reliable and deeply nourishing, this stew hits the spot like nothing else.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe lies in its simplicity and the wonderful harmony of its ingredients. Each item is chosen not just for flavor but for how it enhances texture and infuses the broth with heartwarming color.
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast cubed: Provides tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef after slow cooking.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the stew slightly and gives the beef a great sear.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile with a gentle garlic kick.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to brown the beef, locking in juices and flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful base that gently carries all ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds a subtle richness and a bright undertone.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Infuses umami complexity and slight tang.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic for aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy herb that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Offers a fragrant, pine-like aroma and taste.
- 3 large carrots sliced: Naturally sweet, tender veggies that add color.
- 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes cubed: Creamy texture and heartiness in every bite.
- 2 celery stalks sliced: For a little crunch and freshness in contrast.
- 1 small onion chopped: Adds slight sweetness and depth when slowly cooked.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Stirred in near the end for a burst of color and sweetness.
How to Make Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Brown the Beef
Start by tossing your beef cubes with flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, coating each piece evenly. Browning the beef in olive oil over medium-high heat creates a beautiful caramelized crust that locks in flavor and juices, setting a savory foundation for your stew.
Step 2: Add Ingredients into the Crockpot
Once your beef is perfectly browned, transfer it into the crockpot. Add in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Give it a gentle stir to bring together all those rich layers of flavor that will develop as it cooks.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Next, toss in your carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion. These veggies bring heartiness and earthy sweetness that balance the rich meat and broth beautifully.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot to low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. This slow, tender cooking process allows every ingredient to meld into a thick, luscious stew with melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly cooked veggies.
Step 5: Stir in Frozen Peas
About 20 minutes before your stew is ready, stir in the frozen peas. They add a pop of vibrant color and a fresh, sweet contrast that brightens the whole dish.
Step 6: Final Seasoning Check
Before serving, taste your stew and adjust the salt or pepper as needed. This final touch makes sure every bite of your Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe is perfectly seasoned.
How to Serve Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top adds a fresh, herbaceous note and lovely color, truly elevating the presentation and flavor of your stew.
Side Dishes
This beef stew pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls perfect for mopping up every last bit of the rich broth. A simple green salad on the side can add refreshing crispness to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the stew in rustic bowls with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche to add creamy tanginess. Alternatively, ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for an inviting, edible serving vessel that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, allowing the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully.
Freezing
This stew freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to three months. When you want a comforting meal on a busy day, just thaw and reheat!
Reheating
To reheat, warm your stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid high heat to keep the beef tender and prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I skip browning the beef for this Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe?
Yes, you can skip the browning step to save time, but browning adds an extra depth of flavor and locks in juices that make the stew even more delicious. If you skip it, your stew may be a bit lighter in taste but still very tasty.
What can I use instead of Yukon gold potatoes?
Russet potatoes or red potatoes are great alternatives. They have slightly different textures but will still soak up the stew’s flavors beautifully and provide that satisfying heartiness.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, adding them early in the cooking process so they can release their full flavor throughout the long cooking time.
Is it possible to make this stew in an Instant Pot?
Definitely. Brown the beef using the sauté function, then pressure cook on high for about 35 minutes with a natural release. Add peas at the end after pressure cooking to keep their color and texture vibrant.
How can I thicken the stew if it’s too thin?
Stir in a slurry made from one tablespoon cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring well until the stew thickens up beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the soulful comfort of this Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe after a long day. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, packed full of nutritious, hearty ingredients that nourish the body and lift the spirits. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite go-to recipe for cozy nights and happy gatherings.
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Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting meal featuring tender beef chuck, fresh vegetables, and rich seasonings slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for busy days, this stew combines flavorful browned beef with carrots, potatoes, celery, and peas in a savory broth, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Stew Base
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Coat the Beef: Toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated for added flavor and to help thicken the stew.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides in batches, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. This develops rich flavors. Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Add beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dried thyme, and rosemary to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine with the beef.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, celery, and chopped onion into the crockpot.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Add Peas: Stir in frozen peas during the last 20 minutes of cooking to retain their color and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Browning the beef adds extra depth of flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
