Crock Pot Beef Stew (Print-Friendly Version)
Slow-cooked beef, veggies, and savory gravy make this classic comfort meal easy to prepare and family approved.
# Ingredients:
→ For the meat
01 -
2 tablespoons oil
02 -
1.5 pounds beef stewing meat, cut into chunks
03 -
1-2 teaspoons salt (adjust based on stock salt content)
04 -
Black pepper to taste
05 -
2 tablespoons flour
→ For the gravy
06 -
2 medium yellow onions, cut into wedges (about 2 cups)
07 -
2 cloves garlic, sliced
08 -
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
09 -
4 tablespoons tomato paste
10 -
¼ cup red wine, or use more broth
11 -
2 cups beef broth
12 -
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
13 -
1 tablespoon maple syrup
→ For the vegetables
14 -
3 large waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
15 -
4 large carrots, peeled, ends trimmed, and cut into chunks
16 -
4 large celery sticks, trimmed and thickly sliced
17 -
½ pound brown mushrooms, cleaned and quartered
18 -
½ cup frozen peas (no need to defrost)
# Steps:
01 -
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed beef stewing meat, season with salt and black pepper, and stir. Sprinkle with flour and stir well. Cook until browned on all sides, avoiding excessive stirring. Transfer to a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
02 -
Return the skillet to medium-high heat, adding more oil if needed. Cook onions and garlic until slightly softened. Stir in Italian seasoning and tomato paste, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
03 -
Add red wine (or broth) to the skillet and scrape browned bits from the bottom. Cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and maple syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil and then remove from heat.
04 -
Layer the slow cooker: place prepared vegetables (potatoes, carrots, celery, mushrooms) on top of the meat. Carefully pour the hot liquid over the top, ensuring the liquid reaches the bottom. Stir slightly if necessary.
05 -
Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Stir in frozen peas 10 minutes before the end of cooking time. Adjust seasoning as needed. To thicken the stew, finish cooking with the lid off, or leave the lid on for a soupier consistency. Serve hot.
# Notes:
01 -
Brown the meat for richer flavor and natural thickening.
02 -
Cut vegetables evenly to ensure consistent cooking times.
03 -
Layer meat at the bottom and pour gravy over for even flavor distribution.