Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe

If you are looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew. It’s an irresistible blend of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich, savory broth that slowly simmers to perfection in your crockpot. The combination of hearty carrots, tender potatoes, and the deep flavors from wine and herbs transforms this classic stew into a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Each spoonful is packed with layers of flavor that come from thoughtfully simple ingredients working together harmoniously. Trust me, this Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role — from building the stew’s rich flavor foundation to adding texture and color that makes the dish so inviting.

• 2 ½ pounds of stew meat: Choose well-marbled beef for tender, flavorful chunks that stay juicy after slow cooking.
• ½ teaspoon each black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt: These seasonings create a balanced, savory profile without overpowering the beef.
• ¼ cup flour: Helps to lightly coat the meat, adding a subtle thickness to the stew’s broth.
• 3-6 tablespoons olive oil: Used for browning the meat, providing a rich, caramelized flavor base.
• 3 tablespoons chilled butter (split): Added in stages for a silky richness that enhances the stew’s mouthfeel.
• 2 cups chopped yellow onions: Their sweetness deepens the stew’s flavor and adds a lovely texture.
• 4 minced garlic cloves: Garlic brings aromatic warmth that complements the heartiness of the beef.
• 1 cup cabernet sauvignon or merlot wine: Adds depth and a slight fruitiness to balance the savory elements.
• 4 cups beef stock: The liquid backbone that melds all the ingredients into a rich, flavorful broth.
• 2 beef bouillon cubes: Boost the beefy intensity without adding extra salt.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Infuses umami complexity that enhances the overall stew taste.
• 3 tablespoons tomato concentrate: Adds a subtle tang and color to brighten the stew.
• 5 medium carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces: Provide sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered: These creamy potatoes absorb the stew’s flavors beautifully.
• 2 bay leaves: Impart a mild herbal aroma that elevates the slow-cooked flavor.
• 1 rosemary sprig: Adds an earthy note that pairs wonderfully with beef.
• 1 cup frozen peas: Stirred in at the end for a fresh pop of color and sweetness.
• ¼ cup cold water mixed with 3 tablespoons cornstarch (optional): For thickening the broth if you prefer a heartier stew.
• 2-3 drops Gravy Master (optional): Helps deepen the color of the stew for a richer, more appetizing look.

How to Make Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

Start by seasoning your stew meat with black pepper, garlic salt, and celery salt to really let the flavors penetrate the beef. Then, toss the meat in flour until lightly coated. This not only helps to brown the meat beautifully but also sets the stage for a slightly thickened broth later on.

Step 2: Browning the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat and add half of your butter once hot. Brown the meat in batches, avoiding overcrowding to ensure each piece develops a nice caramelized crust. This browning process adds those deeply savory notes that give the stew its signature richness.

Step 3: Sautéing Aromatics

With the browned meat set aside, add your onions and garlic to the same pan, sautéing them in the remaining butter until soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base, as the onions and garlic caramelize slightly, releasing their natural sweetness and aroma.

Step 4: Deglazing and Adding Liquids

Pour in your choice of cabernet sauvignon or merlot wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom — this is flavor gold! Then transfer everything into your crockpot along with beef stock, bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato concentrate.

Step 5: Combining Vegetables and Herbs

Add the chopped carrots, baby Yukon gold potatoes, bay leaves, and rosemary sprig to the crockpot. These ingredients not only provide hearty texture and nutrition but also infuse the stew with layers of earthy and herbal notes as it cooks.

Step 6: Slow Cooking to Perfection

Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The slow, gentle heat transforms the beef into tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites while melding the flavors beautifully.

Step 7: Final Touches

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas for a fresh burst of color and sweetness. If you prefer a thicker broth, mix cold water with cornstarch and carefully stir it into your stew, cooking until the broth reaches your desired consistency. For a deeper, more appetizing color, a couple of drops of Gravy Master can work wonders.

How to Serve Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of thyme brighten the richness of the stew and add a touch of freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of crème fraîche can also add a lovely creamy contrast, perfect for ladling over each bowlful.

Side Dishes

This Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls for mopping up every last drop of that savory broth. For a lighter balance, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the stew.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the stew in rustic bread bowls for a charming, comforting presentation that will impress guests. Alternatively, ladle it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a hearty, oh-so-satisfying twist that makes each bite feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of your Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better.

Freezing

This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew has thickened too much, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too — just be sure to cover and stir halfway for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use another type of meat for this crockpot beef stew?

Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use chuck roast cut into chunks or even lamb for a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the meat becomes tender.

Is it okay to use regular potatoes instead of baby Yukon gold potatoes?

Yes, regular potatoes like russet or red potatoes work fine. Yukon golds are preferred because they hold their shape better and have a creamy texture, but feel free to use what you have on hand.

Do I have to use wine in the stew?

The wine adds wonderful depth and complexity, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with additional beef stock and a splash of balsamic vinegar to mimic some of the acidity and richness.

How can I make the stew thicker without cornstarch?

If you want to avoid cornstarch, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes in the stew to naturally thicken the broth. Alternatively, simmer the stew uncovered for a short time to reduce and concentrate the liquid.

Can I prepare this stew in advance and cook it later?

Definitely! You can assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before starting the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy satisfaction of a bowl of Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew simmered low and slow. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels extraordinary and comforting all at once. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a nourishing solo dinner, give this stew a try and let its rich flavors and tender textures become a new favorite for chilly nights to come.

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