Hearty Slow-Cooked Beef Stew

Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe

🍲 Introduction

Welcome to lovewithrecipes.com, where we bring you comforting and hearty recipes like our Crock Pot Beef Stew. This slow-cooked dish is perfect for those cozy evenings when you want a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

🕒 Cooking Times

Here’s a breakdown of the cooking times for our Crock Pot Beef Stew:

🥘 Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process:

• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 – 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 1/2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 2 1/4 cups vegetable juice cocktail (e.g., V-8)
• Salt and pepper to taste

📝 Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create your delicious Crock Pot Beef Stew:

1. Coat the Meat: Place flour and chili powder (if using) in a plastic bag. Add meat cubes a few at a time, shaking to coat evenly.

2. Brown the Meat: Heat oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the coated meat cubes in the hot oil until evenly browned on all sides.

3. Layer in the Crock Pot: In the bottom of your crock pot, layer chopped onion, cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped celery.

4. Season: Sprinkle beef bouillon granules, minced garlic, dried basil, and dried thyme over the vegetables.

5. Add the Meat: Place the browned meat cubes on top of the vegetables and seasonings.

6. Pour Vegetable Juice: Pour the vegetable juice cocktail over the meat and vegetables. If using chili powder in the flour coating, consider using V-8 Picante for an extra kick.

7. Cook in the Crock Pot: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 10-12 hours or until the meat and vegetables are tender.

8. Alternative Stovetop Method: If you prefer, you can prepare this stew on the stovetop. After browning the meat as described above, leave it in the pan and add 3 1/2 cups of vegetable juice cocktail, chopped onion, beef bouillon granules, minced garlic, dried basil, and dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/4 hours or until the meat is nearly tender. Add the potatoes, carrots, and celery, cover again, and simmer for an additional 30 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

9. Serve: Once cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors of this hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Crock Pot Beef Stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of fluffy rice to soak up the savory broth. A fresh green salad can also complement the meal, providing a contrast in textures and flavors.

🔔 Notes and Tips

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge for quicker assembly in the morning.
• Leftovers: This stew reheats beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it for several meals.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. You can add more herbs or spices for a bolder flavor profile.

🌟 Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 597.1
• Total Fat: 36.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 12.6g
• Cholesterol: 118mg
• Sodium: 547.1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33.3g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5.5g
  • Sugars: 9.5g
• Protein: 34.2g

Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Crock Pot Beef Stew with your loved ones. It’s a perfect dish for chilly days and guaranteed to warm both hearts and bellies alike!