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Classic Comfort Crockpot Beef Stew

Close-up of a bowl of rich, dark crockpot beef stew with chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas.
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Make this classic comfort crockpot beef stew for a simple, hearty weeknight dinner. The slow cooker yields incredibly tender beef and vegetables in a rich, savory gravy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with more broth)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry. In a bowl, toss the beef with salt, pepper, and flour until lightly coated.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef and place it in the crockpot.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour the onion and garlic mixture into the crockpot over the beef.
  5. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
  7. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes to the stew. Stir them in.
  8. Cover and continue cooking on LOW for another 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are fork-tender.
  9. Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the cornstarch slurry until the gravy thickens slightly.
  10. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes until heated through.
  11. Serve this delicious slow cooker beef stew hot.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, sear the beef before placing it in the slow cooker. This step builds depth in your savory beef stew recipe.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the cornstarch slurry to 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water.
  • This make ahead dinner freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/crockpot-beef-stew-easy-tender-recipe/