Description
A hearty and comforting Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew made with tender beef chuck, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, slow-cooked to perfection for a deliciously rich and flavorful meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Coating
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Cooking Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots sliced
- 3 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Coat the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, pepper, and paprika until evenly coated, which will help thicken the stew and add flavor.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until nicely seared. Transfer browned beef to the crockpot. This step adds depth to the flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Into the crockpot, pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, celery, and chopped onion to the crockpot. Mix gently to distribute the vegetables throughout the stew.
- Slow Cook the Stew: Cover the crockpot and cook on Low setting for 7 to 8 hours, or on High for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Add Frozen Peas: About 20 minutes before the cooking finishes, stir in the frozen peas to heat through without losing their texture and color.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Browning the beef enhances flavor but can be omitted for quicker preparation.
- To thicken the stew, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- This stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and the flavors meld beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day.
