Classic Beef Stew in a Crock Pot
This is the best beef stew I've ever made. It tastes great with a crunchy loaf of bread. You'll need a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker. Browning the beef adds more flavor.
This is the best beef stew I've ever made. It tastes great with a crunchy loaf of bread. You'll need a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker. Browning the beef adds more flavor.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 large onions diced
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1 leaf
- 1/2 lb baby carrots
- 2 lbs bottom round steaks well trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
- 2 large potatoes cut into 2 inch pieces
- Carbohydrate 39.6442709505313 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 6.61029751459829 g
- Fiber 6.41443164400976 g
- Protein 6.40141426569816 g
- Saturated Fat 0.994098854871611 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (481g)
- Sodium 957.659638888973 mg
- Sugar 33.2298393065215 g
- Trans Fat 0.320789777711217 g
- Calories 264 calories
Step-by-step
- Put the flour in a large Ziploc bag.
- Add the beef and seal. Toss to lightly coat the beef.
- Heat a few tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the meat in small batches, adding more oil as necessary.
- Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the onions to the skillet and cook over medium heat until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and coat the onions then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Pour the wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits and then add to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the potatoes, carrots, broth, salt, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 7 1/2 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Add the peas and heat through before serving.
My Go-To Classic Beef Stew: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is a precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. That's why my trusty crock pot has become my best friend. This classic beef stew recipe is a staple in our home, perfect for those chilly evenings when all I want is a warm, comforting meal that doesn't require hours of slaving over a hot stove.
This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about flavor. The secret? Browning the beef before slow cooking it in the crock pot. This simple step adds an incredible depth of flavor that elevates this dish above other slow cooker stews. The result is a rich, tender beef stew with melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly cooked vegetables. I often serve it with a crusty loaf of bread for sopping up all the delicious juices – pure heaven!
The beauty of this stew lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or even mushrooms would be fantastic additions. You can also adjust the seasonings to your liking. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can add extra layers of complexity. But honestly, even without any adjustments, this recipe is a winner.
Beyond the Recipe: A Warm Embrace on a Cold Night
More than just a meal, this beef stew represents comfort and warmth. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of cozy nights spent with family, the aroma filling the house with its inviting scent. It’s the perfect antidote to a long, stressful day, a reminder that even amid the chaos of daily life, there's always time for a simple, delicious meal that nourishes both body and soul.
The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a harmonious blend that's far greater than the sum of its parts. It's a testament to the magic of slow cooking—allowing time for the ingredients to transform into something truly special.
More Than Just a Stew: A Culinary Journey
For me, cooking is more than just preparing food; it’s a journey of discovery and creativity. Each time I make this stew, I find myself tweaking it slightly, experimenting with new ingredients or techniques. Sometimes I add a splash of red wine for a richer flavor, other times I use different cuts of beef, depending on what’s available at the butcher shop.
But the core of the recipe remains unchanged. It's a simple, reliable recipe that always delivers. It's a recipe I've perfected over the years, a recipe that has become a part of our family tradition, a comforting presence on our table whenever we need it.
This beef stew isn't just a dish; it’s a reflection of my own culinary journey, a testament to the simple pleasures of good food and the comforting embrace of family. And I’m happy to share it with you.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes. It's the perfect weeknight meal that will leave your family begging for more.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Happy cooking!
