When it comes to effortless, hearty meals, nothing beats a beef and vegetable crock pot recipe. These recipes combine tender cuts of beef with an array of fresh vegetables, slowly simmered to perfection in your slow cooker.
The result? A deeply flavorful and comforting dish that practically cooks itself while you focus on your day.
Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these slow cooker meals offer convenience without sacrificing taste.
The beauty of using a crock pot lies in its ability to meld flavors over hours, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, savory stew or roast. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for experimenting with different veggies, herbs, and spices to suit your palate.
Ready to dive into some delicious beef and vegetable crock pot recipes? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow cooker beef and vegetable recipes are a lifesaver for busy cooks who crave home-cooked goodness without the fuss. You simply add the ingredients, set the timer, and come back to a meal that’s tender, flavorful, and nourishing.
The slow cooking process makes even tougher cuts of beef melt-in-your-mouth tender, infusing every bite with rich, savory goodness.
Moreover, these recipes are great for incorporating a wide variety of vegetables, making them nutrient-packed and colorful. They’re also budget-friendly, as slow cooking allows you to use economical cuts of meat while still achieving gourmet-level taste.
Plus, cleanup is minimal since everything cooks in one pot!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef)
Equipment
- Crock pot or slow cooker (6-quart capacity recommended)
- Large skillet or frying pan for browning beef
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Serving bowls and utensils
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Transfer browned beef to the crock pot.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Transfer to the crock pot.
- Add vegetables: Layer carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, and diced tomatoes on top of the beef in the crock pot.
- Pour liquids and season: Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir gently to combine, distributing the herbs evenly.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and the vegetables soft but not mushy.
- Final seasoning: Check seasoning and add more salt or pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve: Spoon generous portions into bowls and enjoy the hearty, savory goodness!
Tips & Variations
“For an extra depth of flavor, consider deglazing your skillet with a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar after browning the beef, then pour it into the crock pot.”
- Vegetable swaps: Try adding parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic root vegetable medley.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a subtle smoky heat.
- Make it stew-like: If you prefer a thicker gravy, stir in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Herb alternatives: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme can be used instead of dried—add them towards the end of cooking for vibrant flavor.
- Using different cuts: Chuck roast works best, but brisket or short ribs can also be slow-cooked for this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This beef and vegetable crock pot dish pairs wonderfully with hearty sides that soak up all those delicious juices. Try serving it over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a warm slice of crusty bread for dipping.
A fresh green salad or steamed greens on the side add a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
For a cozy meal, consider roasting some garlic bread or serving alongside Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals if you have guests who prefer plant-based options. This pairing ensures everyone leaves the table satisfied!
Conclusion
Beef and vegetable crock pot recipes are the ultimate comfort food, blending nourishing ingredients with simple preparation. The slow cooker transforms budget-friendly beef cuts and wholesome veggies into a tender, flavorful meal that warms both body and soul.
With minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy a satisfying dinner even on the busiest days.
By following this recipe, you can create a versatile base to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like exploring other slow cooker options like Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals or spice it up with a homemade blend from the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
Happy cooking and savor every delicious bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Beef and Vegetable Crock Pot Stew
Description: A hearty and flavorful beef stew loaded with fresh vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT8H
Total Time: PT8H20M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown beef cubes on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer beef to crock pot.
- Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and potatoes to crock pot.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes.
- Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over ingredients.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Check seasoning and adjust before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 20 g
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