Alright, mama, I know how crazy life can get with three little ones running around, and sometimes you just need a meal that’s easy, fast, and doesn’t require hours of slaving away in the kitchen. That’s where these beef stew crock pot recipes easy fast come in! If you’re a fan of beef stew meat recipes like me, this easy beef stew recipe is gonna be your new best friend. Honestly, who doesn’t love a good beef stew recipe that practically makes itself? It’s the kind of meal where you just throw in some beef stew meat, set the crock pot slow cooker, and let the magic happen. No fuss, no mess, just hearty goodness.
I’ve tried a bunch of best beef stew crock pot recipes, and I’m telling you, this is one of the best crock pot beef stew I’ve ever made. It’s so simple and takes hardly any prep! Whether you’re cooking stew beef, making a crock pot soup, or whipping up one of my favorite crockpot recipes beef stew, this recipe is all about comfort food without the stress. Perfect for busy families and any night you just want an easy slow cooker beef stew that’s loaded with flavor.
Seriously, if you love hearty beef stew crockpot recipes, this is a must-try. Plus, it’s one of those slow cook beef stew crockpot recipes that makes enough to feed the whole crew. Let’s dive into this simple beef stew crock pot recipes and get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast is perfect for this)
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced (I like to leave the skins on sometimes for a little extra texture, but it’s up to you!)
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced (I usually just cut them into big chunks)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (I use halal beef broth, of course!)
- 1 cup frozen peas (for a pop of color and extra veggies)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt (or more if you like it salty like me)
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (I always check for a halal version)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Okay, first things first, grab your veggies! Peel and chop your potatoes, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. I’m not picky about how they look, I just make sure they’re big enough so they don’t turn into mush in the stew. Chop your onion and garlic too. Honestly, this part takes like 5 minutes, so don’t stress.
Step 2: Brown the Beef (optional but soooo worth it)
If you have the time (or the energy), I always brown my beef stew meat in a skillet for a few minutes. It adds so much flavor! I heat a little oil in a pan and cook the beef until it’s browned on all sides. But if you’re in a rush, no worries at all—just throw the raw beef straight into the crockpot. It’ll still taste great!
Step 3: Dump It All in the Crockpot
Now for the easy part! Toss your beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the crockpot. Pour in your beef broth, and then add the thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir so it’s all mixed up. Seriously, that’s all the work you need to do!
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Put the lid on your crockpot, set it to low, and let it cook for about 7-8 hours. By the end of the day, you’ll have the most tender beef and perfectly cooked veggies. It’s like magic, I swear!
Step 5: Add the Peas
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, throw in your frozen peas. They only need a little bit of time to warm up, and they make the stew look extra pretty with that green pop.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything’s cooked through and smelling AMAZING, it’s time to serve! Ladle that warm stew into bowls, and if you’re feelin’ fancy, serve with some crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for dunking! Now sit down, enjoy, and try to get the kids to share. (Good luck with that! Haha.)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Super Simple: I mean, it’s literally just dump everything in and forget about it! The crockpot does all the work.
- Great for Leftovers: I always make extra, and it’s even better the next day. It also freezes really well if you want to save some for later.
- Kid-Approved: I have three little ones, and this stew is one of the few meals they all devour. No complaints here!
- Budget-Friendly: Most of these ingredients are super affordable, and it makes a lot, so it’s a great meal for big families.
Dump Freezer Bag Recipe
- Add all ingredients to a freezer bag. Seal tightly and lay flat to freeze.
- When ready to cook, thaw the bag in the fridge overnight.
- Pour contents into the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Stir and serve with crusty bread or over rice.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef for this recipe instead of stew meat?
You can definitely use ground beef, but I recommend using beef stew meat for the best texture. Ground beef won’t give you the same hearty chunks, and it might cook faster, so keep an eye on it if you decide to use it. If you do use ground beef, brown it first to lock in flavor.
What can I add to make the stew thicker?
If you want a thicker stew, you can make a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with some cold water, then stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give it that rich, comforting texture. You can also mash some of the potatoes in the stew for a naturally thickened broth.
Can I make this in the instant pot or pressure cooker?
Yes! You can use your Instant Pot or pressure cooker to make this. Brown the beef first using the sauté function, then add the rest of the ingredients. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes, then let it naturally release. It’s a faster version of the same hearty beef stew crockpot recipe.
How do I store leftover stew?
If you have leftovers, let the stew cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, just make sure to stir well and heat it thoroughly.
What do I serve with beef stew?
Beef stew goes great with crusty bread or a simple side salad. You can even serve it over some mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal. If you’re in the mood for soup, this is like a meal and a soup in one, so I love pairing it with a simple green salad for balance.
Crockpot Beef and Vegetable Stew
Crockpot Beef and Vegetable Stew
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat chuck roast works best
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth halal
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp pepper or to taste
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Prep Veggies:
- Peel and chop potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
Brown Beef (optional):
- In a pan, brown the beef stew meat for 2-3 minutes per side (optional). If short on time, skip this step.
Layer in Crockpot:
- Add the beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.
Add Liquids & Seasonings:
- Pour in the beef broth, and add thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together.
Cook on Low:
- Set the crockpot to low and cook for 7-8 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
Add Peas:
- About 30 minutes before serving, add frozen peas.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle stew into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- To thicken stew: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) or mash some potatoes in the stew towards the end of cooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
And there you have it, mama! This beef stew crock pot recipe easy fast is seriously a game-changer. Whether you’re using it as a go-to for busy nights or just want a comforting meal with minimal effort, it’s the best beef stew crock pot recipe I’ve found. The beauty of these beef stew meat recipes is that they’re super flexible, and you can always tweak them to fit your family’s tastes. This recipe has it all—tender stew beef, hearty veggies, and that perfect crockpot slow cooker magic. Plus, it’s one of those easy beef stew recipes that you can count on to deliver every single time.
Honestly, if you’re looking for crockpot recipes beef stew or simple beef stew crock pot recipes, this is it. I love how I can just throw everything in, set it, and forget about it while I handle life with my three kids. It’s one of those hearty stews slow cooker meals that makes you feel like you spent hours cooking, but really, the slow cook beef stew crockpot recipes do all the heavy lifting! So whether you’re making a hamburger beef stew crockpot or a classic slow cooker beef stew easy, I hope this becomes one of your favorite stew recipes crockpot. Enjoy it, mama, and let me know how it goes!
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