# Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew
There is nothing more comforting than coming home to the smell of a rich and savory beef stew that has been slow-cooking all day. This Crockpot Beef Stew recipe is the epitome of a set-it-and-forget-it meal. Chunks of beef become melt-in-your-mouth tender while the vegetables soften perfectly in a thick, deeply flavorful gravy. It’s the perfect, hearty meal for a chilly day.
### Table of Contents
* Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* Ingredients You’ll Need
* Step-by-Step Instructions
* Pro Tips for the Best Stew
* Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* Incredibly Tender Beef: The slow cooker works its magic, making the beef fall-apart tender.
* Rich, Flavorful Gravy: A few simple ingredients create a deeply savory sauce.
* Easy & Convenient: Just a little bit of prep in the morning for a delicious dinner waiting for you in the evening.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
* 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* Salt and black pepper
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
* 3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
* 1.5 lbs (700g) baby potatoes, halved
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups beef broth
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 2 bay leaves
* 1 cup frozen peas, for the end
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended): In a bowl, toss the beef cubes with the flour, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: To the slow cooker with the beef, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and minced garlic.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the meat and vegetables. Add the thyme and bay leaves. Stir everything together gently.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours.
5. Finish the Stew: About 15 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaves. Stir in the frozen peas.
6. Serve: Ladle the hot stew into bowls and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
### Pro Tips for the Best Stew
* Sear the Beef: Taking 10 extra minutes to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker creates a deep, caramelized flavor that you can’t get otherwise. It’s a crucial step for the best-tasting stew.
* Use Beef Chuck: This cut of meat is perfect for slow cooking, as it has enough fat and connective tissue to become incredibly tender over a long cooking time.
* Low and Slow is Best: While you can cook this on high, cooking it low and slow for a longer period will yield the most tender results.
### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
* How can I thicken the gravy? If you like a thicker gravy, you can make a slurry by whisking 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* Can I add red wine? Yes! For a richer flavor, you can deglaze the skillet with about 1/2 cup of dry red wine after browning the beef and add that to the slow cooker along with the broth.