recipes beef stew meat crock pot

Name: Recipes Beef Stew Meat Crock Pot
Ingredients: Ingredients; 2 pounds beef stewing meat or beef chuck roast (cut into chunks); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 3 carrots (sliced); 2 stalks celery (chopped); 3 medium potatoes (diced); 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup red wine (optional); 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch (for thickening); 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Amanda Recipes January 31, 2025February 1, 2025

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Recipes Beef Stew Meat Crock Pot

Beef stew in a crock pot is the ultimate comfort food, almost like a warm hug on a chilly day. If you’ve never tried making it, you’re missing out on a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare. You’ll learn how to enhance the flavors by browning the beef and choosing the right vegetables. Plus, we’ll cover tips to make your stew even better. Ready to get started?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this beef stew recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite for many home cooks. It’s easy to prepare, especially with a slow cooker that takes the stress out of cooking.

You’ll appreciate the healthy ingredients, as this recipe is lower in calories, fat, and carbs compared to traditional options. Each serving packs in 32 grams of protein, along with fiber and vitamins from vegetables like carrots and cauliflower. Additionally, the use of steamed cauliflower for thickening ensures that the stew remains creamy without adding unnecessary calories.

Plus, it’s customizable; you can make it gluten-free or vegetarian by swapping beef for tofu. Whether you use a crock pot or an Instant Pot, the cooking convenience allows for hands-off meal planning.

You can even store leftovers to enjoy for days!

History

Beef stew has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years, showcasing how people have creatively used available ingredients to nourish themselves. The earliest forms of stew date back to when humans first cooked over fire.

Ancient texts, including the Old Scripture, mention stews, like the one Esau traded with Jacob. In Rome, people simmered beef with wine and spices, while Vikings made skause with meats and beans.

The modern beef stew evolved from 14th-century France, where chef Taillevent printed recipes for ragout, a precursor to today’s stew. Peasants made hearty meals using root vegetables and tougher cuts of meat. Beef stew is foundational in French cuisine, reflecting the resourcefulness that has defined this enduring dish.

This resourceful cooking method has made beef stew a beloved dish worldwide, known for its comfort and nourishment.

Recipe

Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days and family gatherings. With its rich flavors and tender chunks of beef, this stew warms the soul and fills the belly. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a savory broth that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Whether served on its own or with warm bread for dipping, beef stew is sure to please everyone at the table. This recipe utilizes a slow cooker for convenience, allowing you to prepare the ingredients in the morning and return to a delicious meal at dinner time.

With a variety of vegetables and seasonings, this beef stew isn’t only flavorful but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the process of making this classic dish that has been cherished for generations.

Ingredients

2 pounds beef stewing meat or beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 medium potatoes, diced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Cooking Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning it on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook until they’re tender and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
In the slow cooker, combine the browned beef, sautéed onions and garlic, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and diced potatoes.
Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8-9 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well developed.
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew to thicken. If using, add the frozen peas at this time.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving hot.

Extra Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a tablespoon of maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.

It’s also important to let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle. Pair your beef stew with crusty bread or biscuits for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your beef stew preparation, remember that this dish not only satisfies hunger but also provides an opportunity for creativity in the kitchen.

You can customize your stew with various ingredients, from lean beef to colorful vegetables, enhancing both flavor and nutrition. Consider using different seasonings or sauces to create unique tastes. Incorporating lean beef stew meat not only boosts the protein content but also adds a hearty texture to your dish.

Pay attention to your cooking time; longer is often better for tender meat. Plus, with the nutritional benefits of vitamins and minerals, you’re serving up a healthy meal.

Don’t forget about portion control; making a larger batch can lead to leftovers for another day, saving time.

Enjoy the process, and make this comfort food your own while nourishing your body.

FAQ

When you’re diving into beef stew, it’s natural to have some questions about the process and ingredients.

First, the best cuts of beef for stew are chuck roast or boneless beef cubes. Browning the beef is essential for a richer flavor. Searing beef adds texture and flavor when cooked, making it a crucial step in the preparation process.

Cooking times vary: 4-5 hours on high or 7-10 hours on low. For thickening, mix cornstarch with cold water or flour with stew broth.

Don’t forget to season well—thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves work wonders.

When adding vegetables, potatoes, carrots, and onions are popular choices. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce or red wine.

Finally, always remove bay leaves before serving to avoid bitterness. Enjoy your stew!