This Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew is perfect for meal prep! Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich broth mix together for a warm and cozy dish.
Honestly, I love how I can just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Plus, it makes my kitchen smell amazing! 🥘
Nothing beats having a delicious meal ready when you need it. I like to make a big batch so I can enjoy leftovers throughout the week—it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is quite flavorful and tender when slow-cooked. If you’re looking for alternatives, sirloin works well too, though it might not be as tender when cooked for long periods.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and potatoes add texture and heartiness. If you’re short on any veggies, feel free to swap them out. Sweet potatoes are a great substitute for regular potatoes, and you can use bell peppers or parsnips too!
Beef Broth: For a lighter option, you can use low-sodium beef broth. Vegetable broth is a good substitute as well if you’re trying to keep it lighter or vegetarian. Adding a splash of red wine can enhance the flavor too!
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary are classic in beef stew. If you don’t have dried herbs, you can use fresh ones, just double the amount. If those are unavailable, Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence can do the trick.
How Do I Ensure My Beef is Tender and Flavorful?
Browning the beef is a crucial step! This adds depth of flavor to your stew. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the beef. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed.
- Allow the beef to brown on each side without moving it too much, which promotes a nice crust.
Also, cooking on low heat for a long time really helps in making the beef tender and flavorful, so resist the urge to turn up the heat!
What’s the Best Way to Use Leftovers?
This stew keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to:
- Let it cool down before transferring to containers.
- Divide into individual portions to make reheating easy.
You can reheat it on the stove or microwave until it’s warmed through. Just add a splash of broth if it thickens up too much!
Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew Recipe for Meal Prep
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty beef stew takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus cooking time of 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. So, you can start it in the morning and come back to a warm and delicious meal! It’s perfect for meal prep, too—just portion it out and you’re set for the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Grab a large bowl and toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper until they are well-coated. This helps to create a flavorful crust when you brown the beef.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Brown the cubes on all sides until they have a nice golden color. Once done, transfer the browned beef to the crock pot.
3. Assemble Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
Now, in the crock pot, add the prepared carrots, celery, potatoes, onion, and garlic. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Give everything a gentle stir to mix it up.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and cook. You can set it to low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The stew is ready when the beef is tender and the veggies are cooked through.
5. Finishing Touches:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the frozen peas. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Store:
Before serving, be sure to remove the bay leaf. Garnish the stew with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor! Portion the stew into meal prep containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Enjoy your hearty, comforting beef stew that’s perfect for easy meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use brisket or even round cuts. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the cut used.
How Can I Thicken the Stew If It’s Too Watery?
If your stew turns out a bit thin, you can thicken it easily by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew about 30 minutes before serving, and it should help achieve your desired consistency!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in additional veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or green beans. Just remember that adding too many might alter the cooking time a bit, so keep an eye on the doneness.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
The best way to reheat beef stew is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave; just heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much during reheating!
