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Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 142 reviews

This hearty Crockpot Beef Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy meals. Tender cubes of stewing beef are seared and slow-cooked with Yukon Gold potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and rich beef broth, enhanced with tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce for depth. The slow cooking process ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture and robust flavors, making it an easy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Oil

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 pounds boneless stewing beef cubes or chuck

Vegetables

  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled & diced (large bite-size pieces)
  • 4 large carrots, peeled & cut into large bite-size pieces
  • 3 sticks celery, chopped

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper to taste
  • 3 bay leaves

Thickener (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry with cornstarch)

Instructions

  1. Sear the beef: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown half of the beef cubes on all sides. Transfer seared beef to a plate. Add remaining olive oil and repeat with the second batch of beef. Transfer all browned beef and any juices to the slow cooker.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
  3. Add vegetables and liquids: Into the slow cooker, add diced Yukon Gold potatoes, carrots, chopped celery, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  4. Include bay leaves and slow cook: Gently add the bay leaves to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 10 hours, or until the beef is tender and flavors are well developed.
  5. Thicken stew (optional): If a thicker consistency is desired, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cook for about 10 more minutes until the stew thickens slightly.

Notes

  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes as they hold their shape well during slow cooking.
  • The tomato paste adds depth and richness to the stew; avoid substituting with fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • To ensure evenly cooked beef, sear in batches without crowding the pan.
  • The cornstarch thickening step is optional based on preference for stew consistency.
  • Remove bay leaves before serving to avoid unpleasant texture.

Keywords: crockpot beef stew, slow cooker beef stew, hearty beef stew, comfort food, easy stew recipe

Find it online: https://topreci.com/crockpot-beef-stew-recipe/