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Easy Hearty Crockpot Dump Beef Stew Recipe Perfect for Cozy Dinners

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A simple, comforting beef stew made effortlessly in a crockpot with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet), peeled and cubed
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning beef)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Chop beef into 1-inch cubes, peel and cut carrots, potatoes, celery, and dice onion. Mince garlic cloves. This should take about 15 minutes.
  2. Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until caramelized. This adds depth but can be skipped.
  3. Layer the crockpot: Place chopped vegetables (carrots, potatoes, celery, onion) at the bottom. Add browned or raw beef cubes on top.
  4. Add seasoning and liquids: Sprinkle minced garlic over the beef. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour in beef broth, making sure everything is submerged but not overfilled. Add bay leaves on top.
  6. Cover and cook: Set crockpot to low and cook for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
  7. Finish and adjust seasoning: Remove bay leaves, taste stew, and adjust salt or pepper as needed. If stew is too thin, mix cornstarch with cold water, stir into stew, and cook uncovered on high for 15 minutes to thicken.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm. Optional garnish with chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan.

Notes

Browning the beef is optional but adds depth of flavor. Keep vegetable pieces about 1 inch to avoid mushiness. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain temperature. If stew is too thin, thicken with cornstarch slurry or mash some potatoes into the broth. Leftovers taste better the next day. Add a splash of broth or water if evaporation occurs during cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, crockpot recipe, dump stew, easy dinner, slow cooker, hearty stew, comfort food

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