With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be hard to find time to make a hearty, home-cooked meal. But now, with the help of a crock pot, you can easily prepare a delicious stew that will fill your home with wonderful aromas and tantalizing flavors. This easy-to-make stew requires only a few simple ingredients and a few hours of your time.
To begin, you will need the following ingredients: 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 large onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 2 cups of beef broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Before you start cooking, you will want to cut the beef chuck roast into one-inch cubes. Once the beef is cut, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes to the skillet and cook until the beef is lightly browned on both sides.
Once the beef is cooked, transfer it to the crock pot. Add the onion, garlic, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
Cover the crock pot and set it to low. Cook the stew for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the beef cubes.
Once the stew is cooked, remove the bay leaf and discard. Serve the stew with boiled potatoes, crusty bread, or a green salad. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
You can use any type of beef for this recipe. A chuck roast will produce a tender stew, but you can also use stewing beef or a leaner cut of beef, such as sirloin, for a leaner stew.
If you like your stew to have a thicker consistency, add a few tablespoons of flour to the beef before you add it to the crock pot. This will help to thicken the stew as it cooks.
For a heartier stew, add some vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, to the crock pot. Add the vegetables at the same time as the beef.
This stew is also delicious served over cooked rice or noodles. You can also add cooked beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, to the stew for an added boost of protein.
Storage & Reheating
This stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the stew in a pot over medium heat and heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or beef broth to thin the stew out.
You can also freeze this stew for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled stew in a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer. When ready to reheat, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through.
Conclusion
Stew in a crock pot is the perfect solution for busy home cooks who want to prepare a tasty and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is simple to prepare and can easily be adapted to suit your tastes. With a few simple ingredients and a few hours of your time, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying stew that’s sure to become a family favorite.
