Crockpot Beef Stew

Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe - Rich and Savory Flavor!

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 3-4 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cozy night in. This crockpot beef stew recipe is easy to make and full of hearty flavors that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Beef stew has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. The slow cooking method used in this recipe allows the flavors to meld together and create a rich and savory dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) stew beef cubes
4 to 6 carrots, cut up
10 to 12 pearl onions
4 to 6 potatoes, cut in cubes
2 cloves garlic
0.5 cup red wine
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
2 tsp soy sauce

How to prepare

Brown the beef cubes by coating them in flour. Once browned, transfer them to a crock pot.
De-glaze the pan by adding 0.5 cup of red wine and pour it into the crock pot with the beef cubes.
Add the cut up carrots, onions, garlic, and potatoes to the crock pot. Also, add Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce.
Cook on high heat for 3 – 4 hours in the crock pot.
Add water as necessary and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy the dish.

Variations

Add mushrooms or peas for extra vegetables.
Use different cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or brisket, for a different flavor.
Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Browning the beef cubes before adding them to the crockpot will help to seal in the juices and create a more flavorful dish.

- Adding red wine to deglaze the pan will add depth of flavor to the stew.

- Cooking the stew on high heat for 3-4 hours will ensure that the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

- Seasoning with salt and pepper to taste at the end will allow you to adjust the flavors to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this beef stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking in a crockpot allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different twist on this recipe.

- Use vegetable broth instead of red wine for a non-alcoholic version.

Make Ahead Tips

This beef stew can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this beef stew in a bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this beef stew with a glass of red wine or a hearty beer for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 30g per serving

Fats

Fats: 10g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This beef stew is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and gluten from the Worcestershire sauce.

Summary

This crockpot beef stew is a well-balanced meal that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cold winter night.

Summary

This crockpot beef stew is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Crockpot Beef Stew. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had been flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, I came across a worn and stained recipe card tucked in between the pages. It was titled "Grandma's Hearty Beef Stew," and I knew that I had to give it a try.

The recipe called for simple ingredients that I already had in my pantry - beef chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, and a few seasonings. The instructions were straightforward: brown the beef, chop the vegetables, throw everything into the crockpot, and let it simmer for hours until the meat was tender and the flavors had melded together.

As I read through the recipe, memories flooded back to me of my own grandmother standing over the stove, stirring a pot of stew that had been cooking all day. I could still vividly remember the aroma of the beef and vegetables simmering in a rich broth, filling the house with warmth and comfort.

I decided to make the stew that very day, following the recipe to the letter. I browned the beef in a hot skillet until it was golden brown on all sides, then transferred it to the crockpot. I chopped the carrots, potatoes, and onions, and minced the garlic, adding them to the pot along with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a few bay leaves for added flavor.

I set the crockpot to low and let it do its magic, filling the air with the tantalizing scent of simmering beef and vegetables. As the hours passed, I couldn't resist lifting the lid to sneak a taste. The beef was fork-tender, the vegetables were soft and flavorful, and the broth was rich and savory. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

When the stew was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and served it to my family. Their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites, savoring the comforting flavors of the stew. My husband declared it the best beef stew he had ever tasted, and my children eagerly asked for seconds.

From that day on, Grandma's Hearty Beef Stew became a staple in our household. I made it countless times over the years, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit our tastes. Sometimes I would add a splash of red wine for richness, or a handful of fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Other times, I would throw in some mushrooms or peas for extra texture and color.

Each time I made the stew, I felt a connection to my own grandmother and her love of cooking. I imagined her standing in her kitchen, stirring a pot of stew just like I was, passing down her recipe through the generations. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the steps, encouraging me to taste and adjust, to make the dish my own.

As the years passed, I shared the recipe for Crockpot Beef Stew with friends and family, who all raved about its comforting and satisfying flavors. They, too, felt a connection to the past as they cooked the stew in their own kitchens, creating memories of warmth and love with each simmering pot.

And so, Grandma's Hearty Beef Stew became more than just a recipe to me. It was a link to my past, a way to honor my grandmother and the generations of women who had come before me. It was a reminder of the joy that cooking can bring, of the warmth and comfort that a simple bowl of stew can provide.

And as I sit here now, stirring a pot of Crockpot Beef Stew on a chilly autumn day, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that brought me so much joy and connection. I know that my own grandchildren will one day stumble upon this recipe, tucked in between the pages of an old cookbook, and feel that same thrill of discovery that I did so many years ago. And I hope that they, too, will find comfort and joy in cooking this simple and delicious dish, passing it down through the generations just as I have.