Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew (Print)

Tender beef and seasonal vegetables slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory broth for the ultimate comfort food experience.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Vegetables

02 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
05 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
06 - 1 large onion, chopped
07 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 cup cremini or button mushrooms, quartered

→ Liquids

10 - 4 cups beef broth
11 - 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
12 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
13 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

→ Spices & Herbs

14 - 2 tsp salt
15 - 1 tsp black pepper
16 - 1 tsp dried thyme
17 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
18 - 2 bay leaves
19 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

→ Thickeners

20 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
21 - 2 tbsp cold water

# Directions:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef cubes on all sides until browned. Transfer to the crockpot.
02 - Add carrots, parsnips, butternut squash, potatoes, onion, celery, garlic, and mushrooms to the crockpot.
03 - In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the meat and vegetables.
04 - Add salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
05 - Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender.
06 - About 20 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the stew, cover, and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, until thickened.
07 - Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 25 minutes of prep time with the slow cooker doing the rest of the work
  • Features seasonal fall vegetables for maximum flavor and nutrition
  • Yields 6 generous servings perfect for family dinners or meal prep
  • Mostly hands-off cooking that fits easily into your busy schedule
02 -
  • Perfect for meal prep as flavors improve overnight
  • Naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free broth and Worcestershire sauce
  • Excellent source of protein with 38g per serving making it truly satisfying
  • Contains a full spectrum of vitamins from the variety of vegetables
03 -
  • The key to exceptional beef stew is patience. Allow the full cooking time even when the meat seems tender earlier—those extra hours transform the sauce and vegetables.
  • When selecting beef chuck look for pieces with good marbling as this fat will render during cooking creating richness and preventing dryness.
  • Finally consider making this stew a day ahead of when you plan to serve it. The flavors deepen substantially overnight making it even more delicious when reheated.

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