Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of homemade stew, especially on a chilly evening. This delicious Crock Pot Beef Stew is not only rich in flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. The robust blend of ingredients simmers to perfection, creating a dish that is even tastier the next day, when the flavors have had more time to meld together. Perfect for serving a family or for meal prep, this stew is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Category: Stew
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Servings: 6
- Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 based on 1 review)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 426.2 |
| Total Fat | 11.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 86.4 mg |
| Sodium | 604.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 37.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g |
| Sugars | 7.9 g |
| Protein | 40.5 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | pounds beef steak |
| 2-3 | tablespoons flour |
| 1 | teaspoon garlic powder |
| 1 | medium onion, chopped |
| 1 | beef bouillon cube |
| 1 | cup red wine |
| 1 | can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes |
| 2-3 | bay leaves |
| 1 | tablespoon parsley, chopped |
| 3 | medium carrots, sliced |
| 1/2 | pound new potatoes, halved |
| 1 | clove, minced |
| 1 | cup water |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Beef: Begin by dredging the beef steak in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. This process helps to create a nice crust when browning the meat, adding depth to the overall flavor of the stew.
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Brown the Steak: In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the dredged steak pieces to the skillet. Sear the meat on all sides until it is browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the stew by caramelizing the sugars in the meat.
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Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: After browning, transfer the steak to the crock pot. Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, beef bouillon cube, red wine, stewed tomatoes (including the juice), bay leaves, chopped parsley, sliced carrots, halved new potatoes, minced clove, and water to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the meat is well-coated with the flavors.
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Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. This slow cooking method allows the beef to become incredibly tender while the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Final Touches: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid. Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Give the stew a gentle stir and taste it, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hearty beef stew into bowls, garnishing with additional chopped parsley if desired. This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice, making it a fulfilling and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Beef Stew
- Choosing the Right Cut of Meat: Opt for tougher cuts like chuck roast or round steak, which become tender and flavorful during the long cooking process.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or bell peppers to customize your stew to your liking.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This comforting and delicious crock pot beef stew is sure to become a beloved staple in your household, perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, hearty meal that practically cooks itself. Enjoy the delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen as it simmers away, inviting everyone to gather around the table for a satisfying meal.
