Crockpot Beef Stew

In our fast-paced lives, it can sometimes feel as though we are losing touch with the nurturing aspects of cooking and sharing a meal. Allow yourself to pause and breathe as we embrace the warmth of a timeless dish: Crockpot Beef Stew. Picture a hearty bowl of this lovingly prepared meal, wrapping you in cozy comfort like a soft blanket on a chilly evening. This stew is not just food; it is a gentle reminder to nourish both the body and the soul.

Why This Crockpot Beef Stew Brings Comfort and Nourishment

Each ingredient in this recipe has its own story to tell, rich in flavors and healing qualities. The tender beef represents strength and sustenance, while the vibrant vegetables echo the Earth’s abundance, providing us with vitamins and warmth. Allow the aroma of garlic and herbs to envelop your kitchen, inviting love and comfort into your home. As you prepare this meal, you will cultivate a sense of presence and mindfulness, perfecting a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly.

Step By Step How to Prepare Crockpot Beef Stew

Begin your journey by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stove. The gentle sound of the warming skillet can soothe the spirit and prepare you for the magic to come.

Add the beef stew meat to the skillet in a single layer. Hear the soft sizzle as the meat meets the heat, starting to brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes, and while you turn the beef occasionally, remember that each flip is a moment of growth in your cooking journey.

Once the beef is nicely browned, carefully transfer it to the crockpot, setting the stage for a delightful blend of flavors.

Now, we shall turn our attention to the roots of nourishment. Peel and cube the potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces, feeling the earthy texture in your hands.

Next, peel and slice the carrots into about 1/4-inch thick rounds, their bright orange color promising a sweetness that balances the rich beef.

Chop the onion into small pieces, and as you dance with its layers, let the tears remind you of the joy of flavors.

Mince the garlic cloves finely, allowing its fragrant aroma to fill your space, energizing your senses with potential.

With tenderness, add the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic to the crockpot along with the beef.

Pour the beef broth into the crockpot over this harmonious mixture, followed by the addition of red wine. These liquids will seep into the ingredients, infusing deep flavors and nourishing warmth.

Spoon in the tomato paste, which will impart a lovely richness, and sprinkle the dried thyme over the contents, like small flecks of green delight.

Add the dried rosemary into the crockpot, allowing its comforting scent to fill your kitchen, promising a flavorful embrace.

Next, add salt and black pepper to enhance the balance of flavors. Stir everything together gently in the crockpot to combine, as if orchestrating a symphony of comforting nourishment.

In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a couple of tablespoons of water until smooth. Adding this thickening agent will give the stew a velvety texture.

Incorporate the flour mixture into the crockpot, stirring it in with care. Place the bay leaf into the pot, a simple yet essential touch to elevate the dish.

Cover the crockpot with its lid, and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Let time do its work, transforming the ingredients from raw to remarkably tender.

When the stew is done cooking, remember to remove the bay leaf and discard it. Give your stew a final, gentle stir and check the seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the beef stew hot, and as you dig into your heartfelt creation, take a moment to embrace the warmth and connection of sharing this meal.

Wholesome Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 bay leaf

How to Serve Crockpot Beef Stew with Intention

As you serve your nourishing stew, take the time to arrange each bowl with care. Perhaps add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a hint of color and freshness. Encourage your loved ones to gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter. This meal is more than just food; it is a moment of connection and love.

How to Store Crockpot Beef Stew the Right Way

If you have leftovers, gently allow the stew to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. This calming act ensures that your dish remains fresh for future meals. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for later, giving you the comfort of this stew whenever you need a moment of warmth.

Mama Lila’s Helpful Tips

• To enhance the flavors, consider marinating the beef overnight in the broth and seasonings.
• For added richness, try using a mix of broth and red wine, or experiment with different herbs like oregano or bay leaves.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, let it cook uncovered for the last hour to allow more liquid to evaporate.

Peaceful Variations to Explore

Explore the soothing nature of this recipe by incorporating different vegetables, such as parsnips or sweet potatoes. You may wish to try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of tang. Each variation crafts a new journey from the same comforting base.

Discover More Nourishing Recipes

Head over to our Recipe Trends page and uncover a world of fresh, plant-forward ideas that fit right into your daily routine. From vibrant seasonal flavors to calming, wholesome dishes, each recipe is designed to spark inspiration and bring a sense of balance to your kitchen. Find comfort, joy, and connection in every meal while exploring what’s trending right now.

Crockpot Beef Stew

A comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for cozy evenings, made with tender beef and vibrant vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat Tender cuts work best
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed About 1-inch pieces
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced Cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 1 medium onion, chopped Chop finely
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Finely minced for aroma
• 1 cup beef broth For added flavor
• 1/2 cup red wine Enhances the richness
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste Adds a lovely richness
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme For herbal aroma
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary Adds comforting scent
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper To taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Used as a thickening agent
• 1 bay leaf bay leaf To be removed after cooking

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef stew meat to the skillet in a single layer and brown for 5-7 minutes.
3. Carefully transfer the browned beef to the crockpot.
4. Peel and cube the potatoes into 1-inch pieces.
5. Peel and slice the carrots into about 1/4-inch thick rounds.
6. Chop the onion into small pieces.
7. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
8. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, and browned beef to the crockpot.
9. Pour beef broth and red wine over the mixture.
10. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
11. Whisk flour with a couple tablespoons of water until smooth and add to the crockpot.
12. Add the bay leaf, cover the crockpot, and set to cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Finishing Touches

1. Remove the bay leaf and discard it before serving.
2. Stir the stew gently and check seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3g

Notes

To enhance flavors, consider marinating the beef overnight. For a thicker stew, cook uncovered for the last hour.

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Common Questions About Crockpot Beef Stew

With each step you take in preparing this Crockpot Beef Stew, may you find joy, peace, and a connection to the beautiful, nourishing aspects of cooking. Enjoy the process, and embrace the love that goes into every spoonful.