Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
Beef stew is a classic comfort food that is perfect for chilly evenings. It's simple to make and can be easily adapted to your own taste preferences. With this crock pot beef stew recipe, you can put all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do all the work for you. In just a few hours, you can have a delicious and hearty meal ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
For this crock pot beef stew recipe, you'll need the following ingredients: 2 pounds of cubed beef stew meat, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 1 can of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of baby carrots, 1 cup of frozen peas, and 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed.
Instructions
To make this crock pot beef stew recipe, begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed beef stew meat, onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the beef is lightly browned. Transfer the beef and vegetables to the slow cooker.
Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
About 30 minutes before the beef stew is done cooking, mix together the flour, 2 tablespoons of water, and 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker in a small bowl. Stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Add the carrots, peas, and potatoes to the slow cooker and stir. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Serving and Storing
To serve this crock pot beef stew, ladle the stew into individual bowls. You can garnish the stew with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. Serve with some crusty bread or crackers.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations
This crock pot beef stew recipe is very versatile and can be adapted to your own tastes. You can use different cuts of beef such as chuck roast or short ribs. You can also add different vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or celery. You can also add different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves.
Conclusion
This crock pot beef stew recipe is an easy and delicious way to make a hearty and comforting meal. With just a few simple ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. You can easily adapt this recipe to your own taste preferences by adding different vegetables, herbs, and spices.