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Cozy Set-and-Forget Crockpot Beef Stew

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This cozy set-and-forget crockpot beef stew is the ultimate hands-off comfort meal. With no searing or sautéing required, you simply dump everything in the slow cooker and walk away, returning hours later to a deeply flavorful, tender stew that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 2.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 medium yellow onions, roughly chopped
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut the chuck roast into 1.5-inch cubes. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the beef directly into the slow cooker.
  2. Chop the onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes (leave the skin on the potatoes). Add all the vegetables and minced garlic to the slow cooker on top of the beef.
  3. Spoon the tomato paste over everything. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, and smoked paprika. Do not stir yet.
  4. Slowly pour the beef broth around the sides of the slow cooker to avoid washing the seasonings off the meat.
  5. Gently stir everything together with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the tomato paste is incorporated into the broth.
  6. Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. LOW is recommended for the most tender meat and best flavor.
  7. After cooking, check that the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft. If desired, mix the cornstarch slurry and stir it into the stew. Cook on HIGH, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes until thickened.
  8. If using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
  9. Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Notes

For best results, use well-marbled chuck roast and cut all ingredients into roughly 1.5-inch pieces for even cooking. Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. Season at the end as slow cooking can mute flavors. The stew tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot beef stew, slow cooker beef stew, easy beef stew, set and forget stew, comfort food, winter dinner, cozy meal

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/cozy-set-and-forget-crockpot-beef-stew-easy-homemade-dinner/