This crock pot beef stew is slow-cooked to perfection with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful, thick broth. It’s a classic comfort meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 500–700g beef stew meat (chuck, cubed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 2 cups potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
For the broth
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional
- ½ cup peas
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- ½ cup mushrooms
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the beef (optional but recommended)
Heat oil in a pan and sear beef cubes until browned on all sides.
2. Layer ingredients
Add onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, and celery to the crock pot.
3. Add beef
Place seared beef on top of the vegetables.
4. Prepare broth
Mix beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Slow cook
Pour broth mixture over everything.
Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
6. Add extras
Stir in peas or mushrooms in the last 30 minutes.
7. Thicken (optional)
Mix cornstarch with water and stir into stew. Cook 10–15 minutes more.
8. Serve
Serve hot with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Crusty bread
- Rice
- Mashed potatoes
Tips for Best Results
Use chuck beef for best tenderness.
Low and slow cooking gives the best flavor.
Cut vegetables evenly for even cooking.
Adjust thickness by adding more broth or thickener.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Variations
Add red wine for deeper flavor.
Make it spicy with chili flakes.
Use sweet potatoes for a twist.
