There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of beef stew to warm you up on a chilly day. This crock pot beef stew with vegetables is the ultimate comfort food — slow-cooked to perfection so the beef becomes tender and juicy, and the vegetables soak up all those rich, savory flavors.
Using a slow cooker means minimal hands-on time but maximum deliciousness. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this stew is an effortless way to deliver a nourishing, filling dish that the whole family will love.
Loaded with classic ingredients like carrots, potatoes, and onions, plus a flavorful broth seasoned with herbs and spices, this stew is both wholesome and satisfying. The long, slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every spoonful a delight.
Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices, and leftovers taste even better the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crock pot beef stew is a one-pot wonder that combines convenience with incredible flavor. Here’s why it stands out:
- Hands-off cooking: Simply prep your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do the work while you relax or handle other tasks.
- Rich, deep flavors: Slow cooking tenderizes the beef and allows the herbs and vegetables to infuse the broth with a hearty taste.
- Nutritious and balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the beef and fresh vegetables.
- Flexible and adaptable: Easily swap or add vegetables based on your preference or what’s in season.
- Great for meal prep: Makes excellent leftovers and freezes well for future meals.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, for extra depth)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for coating beef)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning beef)
- 1 cup frozen peas (added last 30 minutes)
Equipment
- Crock pot / Slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
- Large skillet (for browning beef)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Bowl (to toss beef in flour)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Toss the beef cubes in a bowl with the flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This will help thicken the stew later.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning on all sides. Transfer browned beef to the crock pot.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, then add to the crock pot.
- Add vegetables and liquids: Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the crock pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Add peas: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Cover and continue cooking until peas are heated through.
- Final seasoning: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot: Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the stew.”
- Vegetable swaps: Feel free to swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add parsnips, turnips, or celery for different textures.
- Make it gluten-free: Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour to coat the beef and thicken the stew.
- Boost the broth: Homemade beef broth or bone broth can intensify the rich flavor.
- Herb freshening: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving for a pop of freshness.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 35 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sugar | 5 g |
Sodium | 700 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This beef stew is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with some simple sides:
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
- Buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes: Serve the stew over these for a heartier meal.
- Simple green salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the stew.
- Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts: Add extra veggies for a colorful plate.
Conclusion
This crock pot beef stew with vegetables is a classic recipe that brings comfort and ease together beautifully. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, turning affordable ingredients into a rich, tender, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Its versatility means you can tailor it to your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a reliable go-to for family dinners or meal prep.
Not only is it delicious and filling, but it also makes a great option for batch cooking, providing satisfying leftovers that taste even better the next day. If you’re looking to explore more slow cooker recipes or hearty meals, check out our selection of Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals or dive into 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious for more comforting ideas.
For spice lovers, our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend is a fantastic addition to any stew or chili you make.
Enjoy crafting this timeless dish and delight in every hearty spoonful!
📖 Recipe Card: Crock Pot Beef Stew with Vegetables
Description: A hearty and comforting beef stew slow-cooked with tender vegetables. Perfect for an easy and flavorful meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT8H
Total Time: PT8H20M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place beef cubes in the crock pot.
- Add carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Add frozen peas 30 minutes before serving.
- Stir and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 25 g
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