Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew

Hi there, food lover! 👋
Ready for something hearty, cozy, and soul-warming? Today we’re diving into a dish that has stood the test of time in kitchens around the world: Comforting Crockpot Beef Stew. 🍲🐂

There’s something magical about a slow cooker bubbling gently all day, filling your home with the savory aroma of tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and fragrant herbs. This is the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl—a dish made for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or those days when you just need a little extra comfort.

Traditionally, beef stew was a way to take tougher cuts of meat and, through patient cooking, transform them into something tender and flavorful. In our modern kitchens, the crockpot makes that transformation effortless, allowing us to layer flavors and textures without being tied to the stove. A true set-it-and-forget-it masterpiece!

This recipe honors tradition while leaning into convenience. Each bite brings together fork-tender beef, velvety potatoes, and a rich broth that’s kissed with red wine and herbs. It’s nourishing, simple, and satisfying—exactly what stew is meant to be.

So, grab your crockpot, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get ready to fill your kitchen (and your heart) with the aroma of this timeless favorite. 💕

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Ingredients:

For the Stew:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, or substitute with extra broth)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prep the Beef:
   Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels. Toss them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. This step helps thicken the stew later.
2. Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended):
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Transfer to the crockpot.
3. Add the Vegetables:
   Layer carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic into the crockpot on top of the beef.
4. Build the Flavorful Base:
   In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture over the beef and veggies in the crockpot.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection:
   Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 4–6 hours, until beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
6. Final Touches:
   Remove bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
   Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm with crusty bread for dipping. 🥖🍲

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Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 8 hours (LOW) or 4 hours (HIGH) | ⏳ Total Time: About 8 hrs 20 mins
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 | 🍽️ Servings: 6

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#ComfortFood #BeefStew #SlowCookerLove #TraditionalFlavors #WarmAndCozy

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️