Finding a comforting dinner that practically makes itself can feel impossible, especially during those busy weeks when you’re juggling work, family, and endless to-do lists. The Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew is your answer! This hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply want a satisfying meal without the fuss. With rich flavors and tender beef simmered to perfection, this stew is not just a meal—it’s an experience worth sharing with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do all the work.
• Rich Flavor: A combination of beef stock and savory spices creates a mouthwatering taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your stew with seasonal vegetables or your favorite herbs.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to all ages, making it a hit at family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything prepared will streamline the process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Mixing Bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: The star of the dish! It allows for low and slow cooking, resulting in tender meat and rich flavors.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe space for chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of chopping vegetables, ensuring even size for uniform cooking.
• Mixing Bowl: Great for combining dry ingredients like flour and seasonings before adding them to the stew.

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Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew.

For the Beef Stew Base

• 2 ½ pounds of stew meat
• ½ teaspoon each of black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3-6 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons chilled butter (split)

For the Flavor Boosters

• 2 cups chopped yellow onions
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup cabernet sauvignon or merlot apple vinegar
• 4 cups beef stock
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato concentrate

For the Vegetables

• 5 medium carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound baby yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 rosemary sprig
• 1 cup frozen peas

For Thickening (Optional)

• 1/4 cup cold water mixed with 3 tablespoons corn starch (optional)
• 2-3 drops gravy master (optional for a deeper color)

How to Make Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping your vegetables. Dice the onions, mince the garlic, and chop the carrots into 1-inch pieces. Halve or quarter the baby yukon gold potatoes.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Add olive oil.
2. Once hot, add stew meat seasoned with black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt, and flour.
3. Brown the meat on all sides for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Everything in Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned meat to your slow cooker:
1. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, apple vinegar, beef stock, bouillon cubes, worcestershire sauce, tomato concentrate, carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, and rosemary.
2. Stir everything gently to combine.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker:
1. Set it on low heat for about 7 hours or high heat for about 4 hours until the meat is tender.

Step 5: Thicken Your Stew (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker stew:
1. In a small bowl mix cold water with cornstarch.
2. Stir this mixture into your stew about 30 minutes before serving.
3. Optionally add gravy master for deeper color if desired.

Enjoy this delicious Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew with crusty bread or over rice!

How to Serve Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

Serving Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew can elevate your meal experience. This hearty dish pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes, making it versatile for any occasion.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for soaking up the rich broth.

Add a Salad

• A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the stew’s richness, offering a refreshing contrast.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top for added flavor and a pop of color.

Serve with Rice or Quinoa

• A side of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa complements the stew and absorbs the delicious sauce.

Include Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables add texture and extra nutrients to your meal.

How to Perfect Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

Perfecting your Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew is easy with a few simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Brown the Meat First: Searing the stew meat before adding it to the crockpot intensifies its flavor and creates a richer broth.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality beef stock make a noticeable difference in taste. Opt for homemade when possible.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings toward the end of cooking. This allows you to balance flavors perfectly.

• Thicken Wisely: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cold water with cornstarch towards the end of cooking for added body without lumps.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the stew to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps deepen flavors as they meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

Pairing side dishes with your Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic make an excellent base for your stew.

2. Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans provide a bright contrast in both color and texture.

3. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice seasoned with herbs alongside your stew.

4. Buttery Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a pop of sweetness that complements the savory stew nicely.

5. Crusty Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for mopping up every last bit of delicious broth from your bowl.

6. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts add a crunchy element that contrasts well with the tender beef stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the meat first can lead to a stew that lacks depth in flavor. Always brown your stew meat before adding it to the crockpot for richer taste.
• Using the wrong cut of meat: Low-quality or lean cuts will not yield the same tender results. Choose well-marbled stew meat for optimal flavor and texture.
• Overloading with vegetables: Adding too many vegetables can dilute the stew’s flavor. Stick to the recommended amounts for a balanced dish.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Different brands of broth can vary in saltiness. Taste and adjust your seasoning as you cook to ensure great flavor.
• Not allowing enough cooking time: Rushing the cooking process may result in tough meat. Patience is key; allow adequate time for everything to meld beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

• Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating for about 30 minutes or until hot.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew.

Can I use different meats in my Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew?

Yes! While beef is traditional, you can substitute turkey, chicken, or lamb if preferred. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the type of meat used.

What sides pair well with Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew?

Serve your stew with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad. These sides complement the hearty flavors perfectly!

How do I thicken my Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix cold water with cornstarch and stir into the stew during the last hour of cooking or add a bit of plant-based gelling agent like agar-agar.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Just combine everything in your crockpot when you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

This Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs. Give this easy recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends!

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Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Experience the warmth and comfort of Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew, a dish that effortlessly brings family and friends together. This hearty stew combines tender beef and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker, allowing flavors to meld beautifully without the fuss of constant monitoring. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe is designed for convenience while delivering a rich, satisfying taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Customize it with seasonal veggies and your favorite herbs to make it uniquely yours!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ½ pounds stew meat
• 4 cups beef stock
• 2 cups chopped yellow onions
• 5 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes
• 3–6 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon celery salt
• ¼ cup flour
• 3 tablespoons chilled butter (split)
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato concentrate
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 rosemary sprig
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ¼ cup cold water mixed with 3 tablespoons corn starch (optional)
• 2–3 drops gravy master (optional for a deeper color)

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Instructions

1. Start by chopping your vegetables. Dice the onions, mince the garlic, and chop the carrots into 1-inch pieces. Halve or quarter the baby yukon gold potatoes.
2. In a skillet over medium heat: Add olive oil. Once hot, add stew meat seasoned with black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt, and flour. Brown the meat on all sides for about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the browned meat to your slow cooker: Add chopped onions, minced garlic, beef stock, bouillon cubes, worcestershire sauce, tomato concentrate, carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, and rosemary. Stir everything gently to combine.
4. Cover your slow cooker: Set it on low heat for about 7 hours or high heat for about 4 hours until the meat is tender.
5. If you prefer a thicker stew: In a small bowl mix cold water with cornstarch. Stir this mixture into your stew about 30 minutes before serving. Optionally add gravy master for deeper color if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like green beans or peas for extra nutrition. Substitute turkey or lamb if you prefer different meats.