When the busy week hits and you crave a warm, wholesome meal without the hassle of standing over the stove, a beef and veggie crock pot recipe is your best friend. This slow cooker dish combines tender, juicy beef with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, simmered to perfection in a savory broth.
It’s not only comforting and hearty but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy families or anyone who loves a fuss-free dinner. The slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in a meal that’s bursting with richness and nutrition.
Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!
This recipe is versatile, nutritious, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, the ease of throwing everything in the crock pot and letting it work its magic will save you time and effort.
Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Convenience: Simply prepare your ingredients, toss them into the crock pot, and forget about them until dinnertime. No need for constant monitoring or complex steps.
Flavorful and Nutritious: Slow cooking allows the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables soak up the savory juices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Customizable: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand or prefer, making it easy to adapt the recipe to your taste or seasonal availability.
Family-Friendly: This dish is hearty enough to satisfy meat lovers and balanced with veggies to keep it wholesome for the whole family.
If you enjoy hearty slow cooker meals, be sure to check out our Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals for more inspiration.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning, optional)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Equipment
- Crock pot / slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity)
- Large skillet or frying pan (for browning beef, optional)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (if you choose to toss beef in flour)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels. Optionally, toss them in a bowl with the flour, salt, and pepper to coat lightly. This helps thicken the sauce later.
- Brown the beef (optional but recommended): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides for 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the crock pot. Browning adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Layer the vegetables: Place the carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, garlic, and green beans over the beef in the crock pot.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Stir gently to combine everything.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot 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.
- Check and adjust seasoning: About 30 minutes before serving, taste the stew and add salt and pepper as needed. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of 1 tbsp flour mixed with 2 tbsp cold water and cook uncovered for the remaining 30 minutes.
- Serve warm: Scoop hearty portions into bowls and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of tomato paste when adding the liquids.
Variation: Swap beef chuck for stew beef or even lamb for a different flavor profile. You can also add mushrooms or parsnips for more veggie variety.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a teaspoon of chili powder for a subtle kick. For an easy homemade spice blend, try our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
Vegetarian alternative: If you want to try a meat-free version, check out our Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals for delicious ideas!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 32 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 650 mg |
Vitamin A | 200% DV |
Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This beef and veggie crock pot stew is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few sides:
- Crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
- A fresh vegan salad bowl to add brightness and contrast.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed greens for more veggies on the plate.
Conclusion
There’s something truly satisfying about a slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew that warms your soul and nourishes your body. This crock pot recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal without the stress of last-minute cooking.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that is both hearty and healthy. Plus, the versatility means you can adapt it to whatever vegetables you have on hand or tweak the seasonings to your liking.
Slow cooking allows flavors to develop slowly, resulting in tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables that meld together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a reliable and tasty choice.
Don’t forget to explore more crock pot and slow cooker recipes on our site, such as our 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious for more warming meals.
📖 Recipe Card: Beef and Veggie Crock Pot Recipe
Description: A hearty and nutritious beef stew loaded with fresh vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT6H
Total Time: PT6H20M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Place beef, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in crock pot.
- Add beef broth and diced tomatoes.
- Stir in potatoes, green beans, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until beef is tender.
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 20 g
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