Okay, so if you’re like me and always on the lookout for easy, fast, and delicious beef stew crock pot recipes, this one is a total winner. I’m talking about a beef stew recipe that takes hardly any time to prep and gets better the longer it cooks! As a mom of three, I live for beef stew meat recipes that I can throw into my crock pot and forget about while I focus on everything else – like keeping my kids from fighting over the remote or making sure no one forgets to do their homework.
Now, I’ve tried a lot of different beef stew recipes, but this one has to be the best beef stew crock pot recipe I’ve come across. It’s hearty, filling, and full of flavor – the kind of meal that everyone loves and leaves your house smelling amazing. And don’t even get me started on how simple it is to make! Whether you’re cooking stew beef or using ground beef, crock pot slow cooker recipes are just so convenient for busy days. It’s literally one of the easiest recipes for stew beef you’ll ever make, and the best part? It’s a one-pot wonder!
This slow cooker beef stew is so easy to make that you’ll wonder why you didn’t start using your crock pot for stew sooner. It’s the perfect solution when you need a hearty beef stew crockpot meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this slow cooker beef stew is everything you need for a cozy, satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat (cut into chunks)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Toss in the Beef
Okay, first thing’s first – grab your beef stew meat and pop it into the slow cooker. No need to brown it or anything, just dump it right in there!
2. Add Your Veggies and Chickpeas
Next, throw in the chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. You don’t have to be perfect about it – just layer everything in there. That’s the beauty of this recipe, it’s super low-maintenance.
3. Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes
Once your veggies and meat are all snug in the slow cooker, pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. This will give the stew a nice base and keep everything nice and juicy as it cooks.
4. Spice It Up
Now, sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon. Don’t be shy with the spices – they make all the difference! If you wanna add a little more heat, you can toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper (I usually skip this because of the kiddos, but it’s an option).
5. Season to Taste
Add some salt and pepper to your liking. I always start with a little and then taste it once it’s done cooking to adjust if needed.
6. Let It Cook
Now for the easiest part – put the lid on, set your slow cooker to low, and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. I love letting it cook all day while I’m busy with the kids, and then I know dinner is basically ready when I’m ready to serve it.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once it’s done, take off the lid and give it a quick stir. If you’re feelin’ fancy (and have a few extra seconds), sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. It makes the stew look extra pretty and gives it a pop of color.
Why This Stew is a Total Winner
- It’s seriously so easy – dump, stir, and go. You can even prep it in the morning before things get busy, and then just let it cook while you’re doing your mom thing.
- The beef comes out SO tender. I mean, you don’t even need a knife to cut it.
- Chickpeas add that creamy texture and give it a little extra protein, which is always a win.
- The spices create the most comforting flavor combo. It’s not spicy, just super flavorful and warming.
- It’s filling and keeps everyone satisfied (my kids had seconds – which is always a good sign!).
FAQs for Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Can I use ground beef in this recipe?
Yep, you totally can! While this recipe is for beef stew meat, if you want to use ground beef, it’ll work fine too. Just brown it before adding it to the slow cooker to avoid extra grease. It’ll give the stew a bit of a different texture, but still super tasty!
How long should I cook beef stew in a crock pot?
For the best results, cook the stew on low for about 6-8 hours. This will make the beef nice and tender. If you’re in a pinch and need it faster, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but low and slow really makes the flavors shine!
Can I freeze the stew for later?
Yep, this stew freezes really well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s like getting a homemade meal without any of the work!
How do I thicken the stew?
If you find your stew a little too thin, there are a couple of easy tricks! You can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with some cold water and stir it into the stew towards the end of cooking. Alternatively, mash some of the potatoes or carrots in the stew for a thicker texture.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Definitely! The beauty of a crock pot recipe is that it can cook while you’re busy doing other things. If you want to prep it the night before, just chop everything up and store it in the fridge. In the morning, toss it all in the slow cooker and let it cook throughout the day.
Slow Cooker Beef and Chickpea Stew Recipe
Slow Cooker Beef and Chickpea Stew Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat cut into chunks
- 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika ground
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place beef stew meat in the slow cooker.
- Add chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes.
- Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir everything together, cover with the lid, and set the slow cooker to low.
- Cook for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and the veggies are soft.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use beef stew meat or chuck roast for the best texture.
- You can add extra veggies like peas or parsnips to switch things up!
- This stew freezes really well, so save any leftovers for a quick meal later.
So, if you’re looking for a beef stew crock pot recipe that’s easy, fast, and totally satisfying, this one’s a winner. It’s honestly one of the best beef stew crock pot recipes I’ve ever tried. Whether you’re cooking stew beef, trying out easy beef stew recipes, or just in the mood for a hearty beef stew crockpot meal, this slow cooker beef stew hits the spot every time. And the best part? It’s an easy recipe with stew meat that doesn’t take up your whole day.
If you’re like me, a mom of three, you need crockpot recipes beef stew that save you time but still deliver a cozy, hearty meal. This stew is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Plus, the crock pot slow cooker does all the hard work for you – just set it, forget it, and enjoy your day knowing that dinner is already taken care of. So whether you’re into ground beef beef stew, hamburger beef stew crockpot, or just love the simple joys of slow-cooked meals, this slow cooker beef stew is perfect for busy nights.
Trust me, you’ll love how easy this recipe is, and your whole family will be asking for seconds. It’s seriously one of the best ways to cook stew beef – the flavors just get better and better!
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