Crockpot beef stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. This classic dish is made with beef, vegetables, and a savory broth, and it is slow-cooked in a crockpot until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. Beef stew is a relatively easy dish to make, and it is a great way to use up leftover beef.
There are many different variations of crockpot beef stew, but the basic ingredients are always the same. Beef, vegetables, and broth are the foundation of this dish, and you can add other ingredients to taste. Some popular additions to beef stew include potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms. You can also add herbs and spices to your stew to give it a unique flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the olive oil to the skillet and cook the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Return the beef stew meat to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- Serve the beef stew hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Once your beef stew is finished cooking, you can enjoy it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later. Beef stew is a great make-ahead meal, and it is also a great way to use up leftovers.
Tips
- For a thicker stew, add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the stew and cook until thickened.
- To make your stew more flavorful, brown the beef stew meat before adding it to the crockpot.
- Add vegetables to your stew to make it more nutritious and flavorful. Some popular vegetables to add to beef stew include potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms.
- Season your stew to taste with herbs and spices. Some popular herbs and spices to add to beef stew include thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil.
- Cook your stew on low heat for a longer period of time for a more tender and flavorful stew.
- Serve your beef stew hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
- Leftover beef stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Beef stew can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best type of beef to use for beef stew?
A: The best type of beef to use for beef stew is a chuck roast. Chuck roast is a tough cut of meat, but it becomes very tender when cooked slowly.
Q: How long do I cook beef stew in a crockpot?
A: Cook beef stew in a crockpot on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Q: Can I add vegetables to my beef stew?
A: Yes, you can add vegetables to your beef stew. Some popular vegetables to add to beef stew include potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms.
Q: How do I thicken my beef stew?
A: To thicken your beef stew, add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the stew and cook until thickened.
Q: Can I freeze beef stew?
A: Yes, you can freeze beef stew for up to 3 months.
Crockpot beef stew is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, beef stew is a great meal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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