Crockpot Beef Stew I

Crockpot Beef Stew I Recipe - Carrots, Celery, Potatoes, Onions, Garlic, and More!

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 8-9 hours | Servings: 6-8

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

3 carrots, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 0.5-inch pieces
1.5 cups chopped onions
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 bay leaf
1.5 tbsp worcestershire sauce
0.75 tsp dried thyme leaves
0.75 tsp dried basil leaves
0.5 tsp black pepper
2 lb (907 g) lean beef stew, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 can (14.5 oz (411 g)) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14 oz (397 g)) beef broth
0.5 cup cold water

How to prepare

Layer the ingredients in the crockpot in the following order: carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, garlic, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, basil, pepper, beef, tomatoes with juice, and broth.
Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours.
Remove the beef and vegetables to a large serving bowl, cover, and keep warm.
Remove the bay leaf and discard.
Turn the crockpot to high and cover.
Stir water into flour in a small bowl until smooth.
Add 0.5 cup of cooking liquid and mix well.
Stir the flour mixture into the crockpot.
Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until thickened.
Pour the sauce over the meat.

Variations

Add in some red wine for a deeper flavor.
Swap out the beef for chicken or pork for a different twist on this classic dish.
Try adding in some mushrooms or peas for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a deeper flavor, sear the beef before adding it to the crockpot.

- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables or herbs to customize the stew to your liking.

- Make sure to cut the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Cooking the stew on low heat for a longer period of time will result in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

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.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping out the vegetables or herbs for your favorites. You can also use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different twist on this classic dish.

Make Ahead Tips

This beef stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this delicious beef stew in a large serving bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This beef stew pairs well with a glass of red wine or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 28g

Dietary Fiber: 4g

Sugars: 6g

Fats

Total Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 36g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 110%

Vitamin C: 30%

Calcium: 8%

Iron: 25%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

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

Summary

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

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a cold winter's day, the kind that chills you to the bone and makes you crave something warm and comforting. I had just finished preparing a batch of my famous chicken noodle soup when I realized I didn't have enough ingredients to make another batch. I rummaged through my pantry, hoping to find something else to make for dinner.

That's when I stumbled upon an old crockpot buried in the back of the cupboard. I had received it as a gift years ago but had never really used it. As I dusted it off, I remembered my friend, Mrs. Jenkins, mentioning a delicious beef stew recipe she had made in her crockpot. I decided to give it a try.

I called Mrs. Jenkins to ask for the recipe, and as she dictated the ingredients and instructions to me, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation. She told me how to brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot, how to chop the vegetables just right, and how to season everything with the perfect blend of herbs and spices.

I followed her instructions to the letter, letting the stew simmer away in the crockpot for hours until the meat was tender and the vegetables were cooked to perfection. The aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly, and I knew I had stumbled upon a new favorite recipe.

As I ladled the steaming stew into bowls for my family, I couldn't wait to see their reactions. The first bite was met with silence, broken only by the sound of spoons scraping against bowls as they eagerly dug in. My husband's eyes widened in delight, and my children proclaimed it the best beef stew they had ever tasted.

From that day on, Crockpot Beef Stew became a staple in our household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even just for cozy nights at home. Each time I made it, I tweaked the recipe a bit, adding my own special touch here and there.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing it down to friends, neighbors, and even strangers who had heard about my famous stew. But the original recipe, the one I learned from Mrs. Jenkins, remained my favorite.

As the years passed and I grew older, my love for cooking only deepened. I found joy in experimenting with new recipes, trying out different flavors and techniques. But no matter how many new dishes I learned to make, Crockpot Beef Stew remained a constant in my repertoire.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the smells of simmering pots and bubbling casseroles, I can't help but smile as I think back to that cold winter's day when I first discovered this recipe. It may have been a simple dish, but it brought me so much joy and satisfaction.

And as I continue to cook and bake, sharing my love for food with those around me, I know that the memories of that day and that stew will always hold a special place in my heart. Because sometimes, it's the simplest recipes that bring us the most joy.