Save It A hearty, comforting beef stew slow-cooked with tender root vegetables, perfect for chilly evenings and budget-friendly at just $1.41 per serving.
The first time I made this crockpot beef stew, my family was amazed at how tender the meat turned out without having to watch over the stove. All the flavors melded together and made our dinner feel extra special during a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
- Beef stew meat: 2 lbs beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Carrots: 3 medium, peeled and sliced
- Parsnips: 3 medium, peeled and sliced
- Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced
- Onions: 2 medium, chopped
- Celery: 3 stalks, sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Beef broth: 4 cups low-sodium
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (undrained)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tbsp
- Salt: 2 tsp (or to taste)
- Black pepper: 1 tsp freshly ground
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Dried rosemary: 1 tsp
- Bay leaves: 2
- Cornstarch: 2 tbsp
- Water: 2 tbsp (for thickening)
Instructions
- Layer beef:
- Place beef cubes in bottom of crockpot.
- Add vegetables:
- Add carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onions, celery, and garlic on top of beef.
- Create broth:
- Whisk together beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Pour over ingredients in crockpot.
- Season:
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and add bay leaves.
- Cook slow:
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or on high for 4 hours), until beef and vegetables are tender.
- Thicken:
- Mix cornstarch and water thirty minutes before serving. Stir into stew to thicken.
- Finish:
- Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.
Save It This stew has become a staple at family gatherings, especially when everyone arrives hungry and the aroma fills the house. Sharing bowls of this hot stew together is always a warming moment we look forward to.
Required Tools
Crockpot, chefs knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, ladle
Allergen Information
No major allergens present. Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies (fish). Always verify ingredient packaging for traces of gluten or other allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 340, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 33 g
Save It This crockpot beef stew is guaranteed to make your dinner feel cozy and satisfying. You will love coming home to the savory aroma and tender bites every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of beef is best for this dish?
Beef stew meat cut into cubes works best as it becomes tender during slow cooking, absorbing flavors well.
- → Can I substitute the root vegetables?
Yes, parsnips can be swapped with turnips or rutabaga for a similar earthy flavor and texture.
- → How do I thicken the stew?
Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir into the stew about 30 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.
- → Is it necessary to brown the beef first?
Browning the beef before slow cooking enhances richness, but it's optional if short on time.
- → How long should the stew cook in a slow cooker?
Cooking on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours ensures tender beef and soft vegetables.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Check that the Worcestershire sauce is labeled gluten-free to maintain a gluten-free dish.