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Cozy Crockpot Beef Stew from Scratch

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A hearty and comforting slow-cooked beef stew perfect for chilly evenings, made with simple ingredients and rich flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 stalks celery, sliced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or Russets)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, about 3-4 minutes per batch, then transfer to the crockpot.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté diced onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute. Transfer mixture to the crockpot.
  4. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to the crockpot, layering evenly over the beef and aromatics.
  5. Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using). Sprinkle thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and adjust salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together flour and cold water to form a slurry. Stir into the crockpot and cook uncovered on high for the last 30 minutes to thicken the stew.
  8. Remove bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

Browning the beef before slow cooking adds rich flavor. Use cornstarch instead of flour for gluten-free. If stew is too thick, add broth or water to loosen. Leftovers taste better the next day. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, crockpot, slow cooker, winter meal, comfort food, easy recipe, homemade stew, hearty stew

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/cozy-crockpot-beef-stew-from-scratch-easy-homemade-recipe-for-winter-warmth/