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Absolutely Best Tender Crockpot Beef Stew with Rich Gravy

A close-up of a steaming white bowl filled with rich crockpot beef stew, featuring tender beef chunks, potatoes, and carrots.
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This easy crockpot beef stew recipe delivers incredibly tender beef and hearty vegetables in a rich, savory broth. It is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights with minimal prep time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with more broth)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 pound potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef cubes dry. In a bowl, toss the beef with salt, pepper, and flour until lightly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Transfer the browned beef, onions, and garlic to your slow cooker.
  5. Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir everything together.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
  7. Add the potatoes and carrots to the slow cooker. Stir gently. Continue cooking on LOW for another 1 to 2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
  8. Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
  9. To thicken the gravy, slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the stew. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your liking.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving this hearty slow cooker meal.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use beef chuck roast. This cut breaks down perfectly during the long, slow cooking process.
  • If you prefer a richer, deeper color for your gravy, substitute 1 tablespoon of tomato paste with the onions.
  • Serve this crockpot beef stew over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread for dipping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/crockpot-beef-stew-best-tender-recipe/