Easy Crockpot Beef Stew (GF, DF)
Try this Easy Crockpot Beef Stew (GF, DF) recipe.
Try this Easy Crockpot Beef Stew (GF, DF) recipe.
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 1/2 lbs *grassfed beef chuck cut into 2-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp organic tomato paste
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (i prefer bariani balsamic vinega
- 1 1/3 cup beef stock (homemade is best)
- 1 small sprig fresh rosemary (or 1/4 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1 medium yellow onion cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 1/2 lbs small white or red potatoes peeled & cut in half
- 5-6 medium carrots cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 lb green beans trimmed and cut into 3-inch lengths
- optional: 1-2 tbsp arrowroot powder
- Carbohydrate 5.75090466508333 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.102939237 g
- Fiber 1.82057842591655 g
- Protein 1.08117842783333 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0285028346833333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (291g)
- Sodium 3.59196185 mg
- Sugar 3.93032623916678 g
- Trans Fat 0.02705480925 g
- Calories 25 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut beef chuck into 2-inch chunks (do not trim off fat for best flavor).
- Place the beef chunks in a 6-quart slow cooker and generously season with about a half-teaspoon of sea salt and a half-teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
- Add the tomato paste, vinegar and beef stock. Use a wooden spoon to combine.
- Add the garlic, bay leaf and rosemary.
- Top with the chopped onion, potatoes and carrots in that order. Do not stir.
- Cover slow cooker; cook on high until beef is fork-tender, about 5 hours (or cook on low heat about 7-8 hours).
- During last 30-45 minutes of cook time, stir the green beans into the stew.
- If you’d like to thicken up the broth, just before serving, add about 1-2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder, making sure to thoroughly stir it into the stew.
- Serve with crusty bread topped with butter, or my yummy Garden Herb Biscuits.
My Simple Weeknight Crockpot Beef Stew
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal after a long day can feel like an impossible task. But I've discovered the secret weapon in my kitchen arsenal: the slow cooker. It's a lifesaver! This Easy Crockpot Beef Stew recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights, and it's surprisingly simple to make. The best part? It's incredibly flavorful and satisfying, leaving everyone in the family happy and full.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients are needed – just a few pantry staples and some readily available vegetables. I love using grass-fed beef chuck for its rich flavor and tender texture. The fat renders beautifully in the slow cooker, adding depth and richness to the broth. And don't worry about trimming the fat; it adds to the overall flavor profile. I also prefer to use homemade beef stock whenever possible, but store-bought works just fine in a pinch. The balsamic vinegar adds a delightful tanginess that complements the savory beef perfectly.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the vegetables to your liking. Sometimes I add parsnips or sweet potatoes for added sweetness and nutrients. Other times, I’ll swap out the green beans for peas or even butternut squash, depending on what’s in season. The key is to let the flavors meld together slowly over time in the crockpot. The result is a hearty, comforting stew that's perfect for chilly evenings. Serve it with a crusty piece of bread for dipping and you have a complete and satisfying meal.
This recipe isn't just a weeknight staple; it's also fantastic for meal prepping. I often double the recipe and freeze half for another busy week. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as delicious the second time around. So, whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this Easy Crockpot Beef Stew recipe is a must-try. It's simple, delicious, and perfect for busy lifestyles.
Beyond its practicality, this stew also offers a great opportunity to share a warm, comforting meal with loved ones. The aroma alone is enough to draw the family together around the dinner table, creating lasting memories and a sense of togetherness. In our fast-paced world, taking the time to savor a home-cooked meal like this is a small act of self-care and a powerful way to connect with those we love.
One of my favorite things about this stew is how easy it is to adapt to different dietary needs and preferences. By using grass-fed beef and avoiding any added sugars or unnecessary preservatives, I ensure a healthy meal the whole family can enjoy. And the great thing is, it's naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
The slow cooking process is what truly elevates this dish. It allows the flavors to develop slowly and deeply, creating a richness that you simply can't achieve with quicker cooking methods. The meat becomes incredibly tender, and the vegetables soften to a perfect consistency. It’s truly a hands-off cooking experience, freeing up your time to focus on other tasks or simply relax and unwind.
I often find myself making this stew during the colder months when I crave warm, comforting food. But the truth is, it’s a great meal any time of year. The versatility of the ingredients means you can adapt it to seasonal produce, making it a staple in my kitchen all year round. And the leftovers? They're just as delicious the next day, making it a perfect choice for busy lives.
So, try this recipe and experience the magic of slow cooking for yourself. You’ll discover that it's not just about convenience; it’s about creating a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal that nourishes your body and soul. Enjoy!
