The Lazy Cooks Luscious Crockpot Beef Stew
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a bit of proper grub? Ever wondered what the secret to a truly soul warming stew is? My Crockpot Beef Stew recipe is not only incredibly easy, but also packed with flavour.
Think of it as a big hug in a bowl, perfect for those blustery days when you just want to curl up on the sofa and watch Strictly Come Dancing .
A Bit About This Beef Stew
This stew isn't some fancy pants, cheffy creation. It's rooted in classic British cooking, designed for busy people. This recipe is easy, and it takes about 20 minutes of prep time, followed by 4- 10 hours of slow cooking.
You will get about 6-8 servings. So, get ready to feed the family, or have leftovers for days.
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Stew
Honestly, the best part is how healthy and nutritious it is. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a great way to get your vitamins and minerals.
This Easy Beef Stew Recipe is amazing and perfect for a Sunday roast alternative, or any day when you need comfort food recipes .
It is one of those Crockpot Dishes you can always rely on.
It's like your nan's cooking, but without all the fuss. Let’s dive in.
Here's your cuppa – a list of 10
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Some great are: Slow Cooker Stew, Slow Cooker Beef Stew, Crockpot Dishes, Beef Chuck Roast Recipe, Easy Beef Stew Recipe, Comfort Food Recipes, One-Pot Beef Stew, Hearty Winter Stew, Slow Cooker Recipes for Beginners and finally Beef Stew with Root Vegetables.
Right, let's get to the ingredients!
Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty! We're talking ingredients and equipment for the best Crockpot Beef Stew this side of the pond.
Forget fancy, we're keeping it real. You know, like something your mum would make, but with a cheeky twist.
Get Your Gear Sorted, Mate!
So, what do you actually need to make this magic happen? Let's keep it simple, shall we?
- A 6-quart (5.7 liter) slow cooker . A bigger one is fine, too.
- A good large skillet . Only if you fancy searing your beef, like a pro.
- Standard cutting board , sharp knife , measuring cups and spoons . You probably already have these, right?
That's it! No need for fancy gadgets. If you don't have a skillet, you can skip the searing. Honestly, the stew will still be delicious.
We're not aiming for perfection, just a tasty, comforting meal. This is slow cooker recipes for beginners level cooking, after all.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
Right, ingredients. This is where the magic really happens.
Beef Time
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast. Cut into 1 inch cubes.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting).
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Now, about the beef. Chuck roast is your best bet. It's got the right amount of fat to get seriously tender.
It is the most tasty beef chuck roast recipe . Look for marbling! That's where the flavor lives.
Veggie Patch
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped.
- 1 lb (450g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed.
- 1 cup frozen peas (add them last !).
Don't skimp on the veggies. They add so much goodness and depth of flavour. Yukon Golds are great because they hold their shape.
But any potato will do in a pinch. This really makes it the beef stew with root vegetables everyone loves.
Liquid Gold & Seasoning
- 4 cups (950ml) beef broth.
- 1 cup (240ml) dry red wine (optional). Adds a bit of je ne sais quoi , innit?
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Essential for umami!
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1 bay leaf. Don't forget to remove it before serving!
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, for thickening).
The red wine really does elevate the flavour. But if you're not a wine drinker, don't sweat it. Just use more beef broth.
And don't even think about skipping the Worcestershire sauce. It's the secret ingredient. With these essential spice combinations your Crockpot Beef Stew is ready to go
Now get in the kitchen and let's make some magic! This is truly a one-pot beef stew .
The Lazy Cook's Luscious Crockpot Beef Stew (Guaranteed to Warm Your Cockles!)
Fancy a proper comfort food dish without slaving away in the kitchen all day? Here's your cuppa the Crockpot Beef Stew recipe of champions! This Easy Beef Stew Recipe delivers tender, melt-in-your mouth beef, hearty root vegetables, and a rich gravy with minimal effort.
It’s like a warm hug on a cold day. Think Paddington Bear levels of comforting.
Prep Like a Pro for Your Slow Cooker Beef Stew
First, get your mise en place sorted. That’s fancy talk for getting everything ready. Dice 2 lbs beef chuck roast into 1 inch cubes.
Chop 1 large yellow onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks . Cube 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes too. Mince 2 cloves of garlic .
This takes about 20 minutes , tops.
step-by-step: From Chopping Board to Comfort Food
- Pat your beef dry. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper . Dredge in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional).
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Sear the beef in batches until brown. This is optional, but honestly, it adds so much flavour.
- Add the beef, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes to your slow cooker .
- Pour in 4 cups beef broth and 1 cup dry red wine (optional). Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme , and 1 bay leaf .
- Cook on low for 8- 10 hours or high for 4- 6 hours . Beef should be fork tender.
- Stir in 1 cup frozen peas (last 30 mins). Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water . Stir into the stew and cook until thickened.
- Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Pro Tips for a Cracking Crockpot Beef Stew
Searing the beef really amps up the flavor. Don't skip it if you can! Also, a splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving adds a subtle tang.
A common mistake? Overcrowding the slow cooker. If needed, use a bigger crockpot or cook in batches. You got this! Now, who's for seconds?
Recipe Notes: Making Your Crockpot Beef Stew Sing
Right then, let's dive into a few extra bits about this Crockpot Beef Stew , shall we? It's all about making it your own, innit? We'll tackle serving, storing, tweaks, and a bit of the boring but-useful nutrition stuff.
This should put you on the right path to cook and creating your own Slow Cooker Stew .
Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!
Presentation matters, even for comfort food recipes like this. Ladle your one-pot beef stew into a nice, rustic bowl. Sprinkle with fresh parsley it adds a pop of colour, you know? A hunk of crusty bread for dunking is non-negotiable.
On a cold evening, I love serving mine with a dollop of creamy mash. It's like a warm hug from the inside! This Easy Beef Stew Recipe pairs very well with an ice-cold beer!
Storage Tips: Keep It For Later
Got leftovers? Ace! This stew keeps brilliantly. Let it cool completely before popping it into an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .
Want to freeze it? No worries! Spoon it into freezer safe bags, leaving a bit of room for expansion. It'll last for up to 3 months .
To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then gently warm it up in a pot on the hob.
A hearty winter stew like this is the perfect make-ahead meal.
Variations: Make It Your Own
Fancy a change? You could add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick. Swapping out beef with lentils you can make this beef chuck roast recipe or slow cooker beef stew into a vegetarian version.
Seasonally speaking, why not throw in some parsnips or swede in the autumn for a sweeter flavour?
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Okay, let's get a bit science-y for a sec. This Crockpot Beef Stew is packed with protein from the beef, plus fibre and vitamins from all those lovely root vegetables.
It's a hearty and nourishing meal, especially on a chilly day. Think of it as your own personal slow cooker recipes for beginners health boost! Plus, it's got that warm, fuzzy feeling of proper comfort food .
There you have it! With these notes, you can confidently whip up a cracking Beef Stew with Root Vegetables . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Happy cooking, and good luck with the ranking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Crockpot Beef Stew without searing the beef first?
You absolutely can! Searing the beef adds a richer, deeper flavour due to the Maillard reaction (fancy science!), but it's not essential. If you're short on time, just skip the searing step and toss the beef directly into the slow cooker. The stew will still be delicious, just slightly less intensely beefy.
My Crockpot Beef Stew is watery. How do I thicken it?
Nobody wants a watery stew, eh? The easiest way to thicken it is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking, and it should thicken up nicely.
Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the stew against the side of the crockpot.
Can I use different vegetables in my Crockpot Beef Stew?
Definitely! Think of this recipe as a starting point. Feel free to swap out or add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes. Just be mindful of cooking times some vegetables might cook faster than others, so add them accordingly. Mushrooms are a cracking addition too!
How long does Crockpot Beef Stew last, and how should I store it?
Properly stored, Crockpot Beef Stew will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It also freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer safe containers or bags for easy weeknight meals.
Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Is Crockpot Beef Stew healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Crockpot Beef Stew can be a very nutritious meal. It's packed with protein from the beef and fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. However, it can also be high in fat, depending on the cut of beef used. Consider using leaner beef or trimming excess fat.
You can also load up on the veggies to increase the nutritional value and make it even healthier. Keep in mind that this recipe can have a high sodium content, so it's best to be mindful of that.
Can I add beer to my Crockpot Beef Stew?
You sure can! A dark beer like a stout or porter can add a lovely depth of flavor to your Crockpot Beef Stew, similar to red wine. Use it in place of the red wine, or even combine it with the beef broth.
Just be aware that the beer flavor will become more pronounced the longer it cooks, so adjust the amount to your liking.
The Lazy Cooks Luscious Crockpot Beef Stew
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |
