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Wholesome Set-and-Forget Crockpot Beef Stew – Easy Dinner Idea

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This wholesome set-and-forget crockpot beef stew is the answer to busy weeknights. It’s the meal that cooks itself while you go about your day, filling your house with an incredible aroma that makes everyone ask, ‘What’s for dinner?’

Ingredients

  • Beef Chuck Roast (2 lbs / 900g), cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • All-Purpose Flour (3 tbsp / 24g)
  • Olive Oil (2 tbsp / 30ml)
  • Yellow Onion (1 large), diced
  • Garlic Cloves (4 cloves), minced
  • Carrots (4 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Celery Stalks (3), sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • Yukon Gold Potatoes (1.5 lbs / 680g), cut into 1-inch chunks
  • Beef Broth (4 cups / 960ml), low-sodium
  • Tomato Paste (2 tbsp / 30g)
  • Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp / 15ml)
  • Bay Leaves (2)
  • Dried Thyme (1 tsp / 1g)
  • Salt and Black Pepper (to taste; start with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper)
  • Frozen Peas (1 cup / 150g)
  • Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp), chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep the Beef: Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss beef with flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until lightly coated. Shake off excess flour.
  2. Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deep brown crust forms. Flip and brown other side for 2-3 minutes. Transfer seared beef to slow cooker.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  4. Build the Broth Base: Pour about 1/2 cup beef broth into the skillet and stir, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer for a minute, then pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the beef.
  5. Layer the Vegetables: Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to the slow cooker (keep vegetables on top to stay firmer). Pour in remaining 3.5 cups beef broth. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Gently stir to combine.
  6. Set It and Forget It: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
  7. Finish with Peas: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves.
  8. Thicken If Desired: For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Stir into stew and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes, uncovered, until thickened.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let stew sit for 10 minutes before serving. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Searing the beef is crucial for deep flavor. Cut vegetables uniformly (1-inch pieces) for even cooking. Resist peeking during cooking to maintain temperature. Season in layers for best results. Use a chuck roast with good marbling for tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot beef stew, slow cooker beef stew, set-and-forget stew, easy beef stew, wholesome beef stew, comfort food, weeknight dinner

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