Ultimate Crock Pot Tender Beef Stew Recipe: Hearty & Flavorful

Discover the best crock pot tender beef stew recipe, slow-cooked to perfection with fall-apart beef and rich vegetables. Get your easy homemade beef stew today!

This crock pot tender beef stew recipe promises an unbelievably rich aroma that fills your home. Each spoonful delivers a hearty blend of savory beef and tender vegetables. The succulent, fall-apart texture of the beef melts in your mouth with every bite.


Ultimate Crock Pot Tender Beef Stew Recipe: Hearty & Flavorful

Recipe by Chef HarperCourse: Main CourseCuisine: American Comfort FoodDifficulty: Intermediate
Servings

6-8

servings
Prep time

25

minutes
Cooking time

8

hours 
Calories

420

kcal

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lbs Beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch cubes

  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp Kosher salt

  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil

  • 1 large Yellow onion, chopped

  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 3 large Carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 2 Celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1.5 lbs Potatoes (Yukon Gold or red), peeled and cubed

  • 4 cups Beef broth

  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp Dried thyme

  • 1/2 tsp Dried rosemary

  • 2 Bay leaves

  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  • Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss beef with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This creates a savory crust.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Do not overcrowd the pan. Transfer browned beef to a 6-quart or larger crock pot.
  • In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds a rich flavor base.
  • Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to the crock pot with the beef. Pour the sautéed onion and garlic over the vegetables.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Pour this flavorful mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot.
  • Add the bay leaves to the crock pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  • Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and easily falls apart. The vegetables should be perfectly soft.
  • Remove bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish.

Notes

  • Chef’s Secret: Browning the beef before slow cooking adds a crucial layer of depth and savory caramelization, enhancing the overall richness of your stew.
  • Storage: Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
  • Substitution: For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high.

This ultimate crock pot tender beef stew recipe truly embodies comfort in a bowl. With its rich, savory broth and beef that falls apart with just a touch, it’s a dish that warms both body and soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or a satisfying family meal, this easy tender beef stew is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.

We encourage you to experiment with different root vegetables or even try a splash of red wine for added complexity. For more inspiration, explore our authentic lamb stew recipe, master the art of making the best beef gravy, or learn to craft a nourishing beef bone broth from scratch. These dishes complement the hearty flavors you’ve just enjoyed.

If you’re looking to delve deeper into beef cooking techniques, you can find excellent guides on preparing various cuts on BBC Good Food, or explore a wide array of slow cooker beef recipes on Allrecipes. Additionally, learn about the history and variations of stew from around the world on Wikipedia. Enjoy your culinary adventures!


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