Print

Easy Lazy Day Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe for Perfect Comfort Meals

easy lazy day crockpot beef stew - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, hearty crockpot beef stew that requires minimal prep and delivers rich, comforting flavors perfect for cozy dinners and lazy days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2–3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss them in flour until lightly coated.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, brown the beef cubes on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the crockpot.
  3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape any browned bits from the pan into the crockpot.
  4. Add carrots, potatoes, celery, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft but not mushy.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, check the stew’s thickness. If too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the stew. Cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Searing the beef is essential for depth of flavor. Add vegetables halfway through cooking if you prefer them firmer. A splash of red wine vinegar or soy sauce can brighten flavors if stew tastes flat. Leftovers store well in fridge up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot beef stew, easy beef stew, slow cooker stew, comfort food, hearty stew, lazy day recipe

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/easy-lazy-day-crockpot-beef-stew-recipe-for-perfect-comfort-meals/