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 yummy Garden Herb Biscuits.
Easy Crockpot Beef Stew: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, kids' activities, and trying to maintain a semblance of a social life leaves little room for elaborate meal preparations. That's where my trusty crockpot becomes my culinary superhero. It's the unsung hero of my kitchen, quietly simmering away deliciousness while I tackle the chaos of everyday life. This Easy Crockpot Beef Stew is a perfect example – a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, leaving me more time to focus on what truly matters: my family.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no exotic ingredients – just wholesome, readily available components that come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. The rich, savory broth is infused with the subtle sweetness of carrots and potatoes, the earthy aroma of rosemary, and the savory depth of the beef chuck. I deliberately leave the fat on the beef; it renders beautifully in the slow cooker, adding incredible richness and flavor to the stew. The grass-fed beef I use adds another layer of deliciousness, offering a leaner, healthier alternative to conventionally raised beef.
This stew is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers. Adding other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips would be delicious. Similarly, you can experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to customize the flavor profile to your liking. I often add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of umami, but it's entirely optional.
One of my favorite things about this stew is its versatility. It’s equally delicious served over creamy mashed potatoes, alongside a simple green salad, or nestled in a warm crusty roll. The leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy weeknights. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop, making it a convenient lunch or dinner option for the whole family.
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this stew is also incredibly budget-friendly. Beef chuck is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, and the other ingredients are commonly found in most grocery stores. This makes it an ideal recipe for those on a tight budget without sacrificing flavor or quality. I always buy my ingredients in bulk when possible to save even more money and reduce the amount of shopping trips I need to make. This stew is proof that delicious and budget-friendly meals can exist harmoniously.
The great thing about this crockpot beef stew is that it's a perfect example of how simple recipes can be incredibly satisfying. There's a certain magic to letting the ingredients simmer together for hours, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. It's a process that feels both therapeutic and rewarding, especially after a long and busy day. It's more than just a meal; it's a symbol of comfort, ease, and family time – something I cherish deeply.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by a busy schedule, remember this simple, delicious crockpot beef stew. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there's always time to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that warms the body and the soul.
Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor, brown the beef chunks in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This adds a beautiful sear that enhances the overall taste.
