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best and easy Beef Stew Recipe

Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

Author: Olivia Ross
This slow cooker beef stew delivers tender chunks of beef, golden potatoes, and carrots in a rich, flavorful broth. A comforting, make-ahead dinner perfect for cozy family nights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 507 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2  ½ pounds beef stew meat preferably chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil for browning the beef
  • 3 tablespoons butter divided
  • 2 cups yellow onions diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup red grape juice
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cubes beef bouillon
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 5 medium carrots cut into chunks
  • 1 pound baby Yukon Gold potatoes halved or quartered
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 cup frozen peas added at the end
  • ¼ cup cold water for optional thickening
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch optional, for thickening
  • 3 drops Gravy Master optional, for color and flavor depth

Instructions
 

  • Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes, season with pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt, then toss with flour to coat.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the beef in batches for about 45 seconds per side. Transfer to slow cooker.
  • In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Pour in grape juice and vinegar, scrape the pan, and transfer to the slow cooker.
  • Add broth, bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, carrots, potatoes, bay leaves, and rosemary. Stir gently to combine.
  • Cover and cook on low for 7½–8 hours or high for 3½–4 hours. Stir in peas in the last 15 minutes.
  • If desired, mix water and cornstarch and stir in to thicken. Remove bay leaves and rosemary, and swirl in remaining butter before serving.
  • Optional: Add a few drops of Gravy Master for richer flavor and deeper color.

Notes

  • For best results, don’t skip browning the beef—it adds essential flavor.
  • Let the stew sit overnight for even richer taste.
  • Always add peas last to keep their color and texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 507kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 49gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 132mgSodium: 1035mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 658IUVitamin C: 41mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 6mg
Keyword crockpot beef stew
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