Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

Finding a comforting dinner that practically makes itself can feel impossible, especially during those busy weeks when you’re juggling work, family, and other commitments. Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew is the perfect solution. This hearty dish is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it suitable for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this stew stands out as a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work while you enjoy your day.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef stock, herbs, and vegetables creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the stew with your favorite vegetables or adjust spices to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—this stew tastes even better the next day!
• Family-Friendly: Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious stew.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for evenly cooking the beef and melding flavors without constant supervision.
• Cutting board & Sharp knife: Having a clean surface and a good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time you make your wholesome crockpot beef stew.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 2 ½ pounds of stew meat
– ½ teaspoon each of black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt
– 1/4 cup flour
– 3-6 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 tablespoons chilled butter (split)
– 2 cups chopped yellow onions
– 4 minced garlic cloves
– 1 cup apple vinegar (cabernet sauvignon or merlot)
– 4 cups beef stock
– 2 beef bouillon cubes
– 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
– 3 tablespoons tomato concentrate
– 5 medium carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 1 pound baby yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 rosemary sprig
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1/4 cup cold water mixed with 3 tablespoons corn starch (optional)
– 2-3 drops gravy master (optional for a deeper color)

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 210 minutes
Total Time: 230 minutes

How to Make Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onions, mince the garlic, peel and chop the carrots, and halve or quarter the potatoes. This will save you time later on.

Step 2: Brown the Meat (Optional)

For added flavor, heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the stew meat seasoned with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt. Sear until browned on all sides. This step is optional but enhances the overall taste.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, add:
* The browned stew meat (or raw if skipping browning)
* Chopped onions
* Minced garlic
* Carrots
* Baby yukon gold potatoes

Step 4: Add Liquids & Seasonings

Pour in:
* Apple vinegar
* Beef stock
Add in:
* Bouillon cubes
* Worcestershire sauce
* Tomato concentrate
Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Add Herbs & Cook

Place bay leaves and rosemary sprig into the mixture. Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for about 7 hours or high for about 3-4 hours, until meat is tender.

Step 6: Thicken (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cold water with corn starch in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into your stew during the last hour of cooking.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Once done cooking, remove bay leaves and rosemary before serving. Ladle into bowls, add frozen peas just before serving if desired, and enjoy your wholesome crockpot beef stew!

How to Serve Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

Serving Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a comforting meal. Here are some delightful suggestions for serving this hearty dish.

With Fresh Bread

• Serve with crusty artisan bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Consider garlic bread for an added flavor twist.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Spoon the stew over creamy mashed potatoes for a filling dish.
• Use Yukon gold potatoes for extra creaminess in your mash.

Accompanied by Rice

• Serve the stew over fluffy white or brown rice.
• This adds a nice texture and helps absorb the savory sauce.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme for a fresh finish.
• This brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy it straight from the crockpot in bowls for a cozy dinner.
• Pair it with a simple salad for balance.

With a Side Salad

• A mixed greens salad dressed lightly can complement the richness of the stew.
• Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing for freshness.

How to Perfect Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

To ensure your Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew turns out perfectly, consider these tips:

• Choose quality meat: Select well-marbled beef stew meat for tenderness and flavor.
• Brown the meat first: Searing the beef enhances its flavor before slow cooking.
• Layer ingredients wisely: Place root vegetables at the bottom of the crockpot to avoid overcooking.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels as needed towards the end of cooking.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme can elevate flavors significantly.
• Thicken if desired: For a thicker stew, mix cold water with cornstarch and stir in towards the end of cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

Pairing sides with your Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew can elevate the meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A warm, buttery loaf that complements the stew perfectly while adding a crunch.
2. Roasted Vegetables
   Mix seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or squash tossed in olive oil for extra flavor.
3. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that balances out the hearty stew.
4. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread provides a lovely contrast to savory flavors; serve warm with butter on top.
5. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette adds texture and brightness to your plate.
6. Steamed Green Beans
   Crisp-tender green beans provide a nutritious side that complements every bite of stew.
7. Baked Potatoes
   Fluffy baked potatoes are perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy from your bowl.
8. Couscous Salad
   Light couscous mixed with herbs and lemon makes an excellent side to enhance your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Preparing Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning your stew meat before adding it to the crockpot can result in a less flavorful dish. Take the time to sear the meat in olive oil for added depth of flavor.
• Overcrowding the Ingredients: Adding too many ingredients at once can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recipe proportions for best results and ensure proper heat distribution.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can leave your stew bland. Always taste before serving and tweak with salt or herbs as needed.
• Ignoring Cook Time Recommendations: Cooking for too short a time may leave your beef tough, while overcooking can turn it mushy. Follow the recommended cook times for the best texture.
• Using Low-Quality Broth: A poor-quality beef stock can diminish overall flavor. Opt for a high-quality broth or homemade stock for a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cut of beef for Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew?

For a great stew, use cuts like chuck or round that become tender when slow-cooked.

Can I customize my Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

How long does it take to cook Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew?

Cooking on low takes about 7 hours, while high temperature cooks it in about 4 hours.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge overnight before cooking it in the crockpot.

Final Thoughts

This Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew is not only comforting but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Give this easy recipe a try and enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew recipe. Designed for busy weeknights, this hearty dish requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Simply toss in tender beef stew meat, colorful vegetables, and a blend of rich herbs and spices into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this savory stew is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep—enjoy delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ½ pounds stew meat (beef)
• 2 cups chopped yellow onions
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 5 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
• 4 cups beef stock
• 1 cup apple vinegar
• Fresh rosemary and bay leaves
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• ¼ cup flour
• 3–6 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons chilled butter (split)
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 3 tablespoons tomato concentrate
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ¼ cup cold water mixed with 3 tablespoons corn starch (optional)
• 2–3 drops gravy master (optional for a deeper color)

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients by chopping vegetables and seasoning the beef.
2. (Optional) Brown the stew meat in olive oil for extra flavor.
3. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker, starting with root vegetables.
4. Add liquids and seasonings; stir well to combine.
5. Cook on low for about 7 hours or high for about 3-4 hours until meat is tender.
6. Thicken with cornstarch mixture if desired during the last hour of cooking.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 210 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg