Hearty Home-Style Crockpot Beef Stew
This Hearty Home-Style Crockpot Beef Stew is designed for those who appreciate the comforting simplicity of a classic dish. With tender chunks of beef and a medley of wholesome vegetables, this stew relies on the natural flavors of its ingredients rather than complex spices or fancy additions. It's the perfect meal for busy families or novice cooks looking for a delicious home-cooked meal without the fuss. Simply chop your veggies, toss them in, and let the slow cooker do the hard work. This stew is not just a meal; it's a warm embrace on a chilly day, one that even picky eaters will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stewing beef
1 1/2 lbs (cut into chunks)
Carrots
4 (washed and thickly sliced)
Potatoes
4 (washed and unpeeled, cut into thick chunks)
Sweet onion
1 large (peeled and chopped into large pieces)
Diced tomatoes with juice
1 (28 ounce) can (opened, do not drain)
Celery
4 stalks (washed and cut into thick pieces)
Water
1 cup (added for cooking)
Salt
to taste (added to enhance flavor)
Cornstarch
4 tablespoons (optional) (for thickening the stew)
Water
1/2 cup (optional) (to mix with cornstarch)
Instructions
1
Begin by prepping your vegetables: wash and chop the carrots, potatoes (leave the skins on for added flavor), celery, and onion into thick slices or chunks. Remember, the size doesn’t have to be perfect; rustic cuts are ideal for stew.
2
In your crockpot, layer the ingredients starting with the stewing beef at the bottom. The beef will steam and get tender as it cooks.
3
Add the thickly sliced carrots, chunky potatoes, celery stalks, and the chopped onion on top of the beef.
4
Open the 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain the juice) and pour it over the layered ingredients in the crockpot.
5
Pour in 1 cup of water. Add a palm-sized amount of salt to enhance the flavors. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
6
Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours. If you're busy and it's cooking longer, that's perfectly fine; it will only enrich the flavors.
7
When ready to serve, if the stew seems too watery, mix together 4 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water until dissolved. Pour this mixture into the stew and stir until the broth thickens to your preference.
8
Savor the delicious aroma and enjoy a heartwarming bowl of stew!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Home-Style Crockpot Beef Stew?
It is a simple, comforting classic dish made with tender beef and wholesome vegetables, cooked slowly to bring out natural flavors.
What kind of beef should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of stewing beef cut into chunks.
Do I need to peel the potatoes for this recipe?
No, you can leave the skins on for added flavor and a rustic texture.
How should I cut the vegetables?
Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and celery should be cut into thick slices or chunky, rustic pieces.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, do not drain the juice from the 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes; it adds to the broth.
How much water is added initially for cooking?
You should add 1 cup of water to the crockpot before starting the cooking process.
What is the recommended cooking time?
Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
Can I cook the stew longer than 8 hours?
Yes, cooking it longer is perfectly fine and will only enrich the flavors further.
How do I thicken the stew broth?
Mix 4 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water until dissolved, then stir the mixture into the stew.
Is the cornstarch mandatory?
No, the cornstarch and its accompanying 1/2 cup of water are optional and only needed if you prefer a thicker broth.
What order should I put ingredients in the crockpot?
Start by layering the stewing beef at the bottom, then add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion on top.
What type of onion is best for this stew?
The recipe recommends using one large sweet onion, peeled and chopped into large pieces.
How many carrots are required?
The recipe uses 4 carrots, washed and thickly sliced.
How many potatoes should I prepare?
You will need 4 potatoes, washed and cut into thick chunks.
How much salt is recommended?
Add a palm-sized amount of salt, or adjust to your personal taste to enhance the flavors.
Why is the beef placed at the bottom?
Placing the beef at the bottom allows it to steam and become very tender as the stew cooks.
Does this recipe use complex spices?
No, it relies on the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables rather than complex spices.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is designed for novice cooks and busy families because of its simple preparation steps.
How many stalks of celery are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 stalks of celery, washed and cut into thick pieces.
What makes this a one-pot meal?
Everything is prepped and then cooked together in a single slow cooker or crockpot.
Can I use different cuts of beef?
While stewing beef is ideal, any beef cut suitable for slow cooking will work as long as it is cut into chunks.
What is the texture of the vegetables after cooking?
Because they are cut into thick chunks and slow-cooked, they remain wholesome and hearty.
Can I stir the ingredients?
The instructions suggest stirring gently once the water and salt are added to combine everything.
Is this recipe good for picky eaters?
Yes, its simple and familiar home-style flavor profile is generally well-received by picky eaters.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to check the thickness of the broth and add the optional cornstarch slurry if desired.
Do I need to brown the beef first?
The recipe does not require browning; the beef is placed directly in the crockpot to steam and tenderize.
What size crockpot is needed?
A standard-sized crockpot that can accommodate a 28-ounce can of tomatoes plus several pounds of meat and vegetables is sufficient.
Are the potatoes peeled?
The recipe specifies leaving the potatoes unpeeled for better flavor.
Can I use beef broth instead of water?
The recipe uses water and salt, but you could substitute beef broth if you prefer a more intense savory base.
Is this a good meal for cold weather?
Absolutely, it is described as a warm embrace on a chilly day and a quintessential comfort food.