Crockpot Beef Stew

Crockpot Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This hearty dish combines tender beef with a rich broth enhanced by dark stout beer and zesty horseradish. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal recipe for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying meal waiting for you. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends, this beef stew is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply brown the meat and toss everything into the crockpot. Set it and forget it!
• Rich Flavor: Infused with dark stout beer and horseradish, each bite bursts with flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch for leftovers that taste even better the next day.
• Family Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it great for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Crockpot Beef Stew, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure your stew turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: It cooks the stew slowly, allowing flavors to develop and meat to become tender.
• Large skillet: Ideal for browning beef evenly before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Cutting board & Chef’s knife: These are essential for safely preparing your ingredients quickly and efficiently.

Ingredients

This beer and horseradish beef stew is the definition of pure comfort food!

• 2 – 2 1/2 lbs boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 12 oz dark stout beer (I usually use Guinness)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
• 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 1/4 lb baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp fresh sage, minced
• 2 Tbsp beef base (better than bouillon)
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1-2 Tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1 Tbsp softened butter
• 1 Tbsp all purpose flour

How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew

Step 1: Season the Beef

1. Season the beef pieces with 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over MED-HIGH heat until shimmering.
3. Add beef in a single layer (you may have to do this in batches).
4. Brown on all sides, about 1-2 minutes per side, then turn off heat.
5. Remove beef to slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth Mixture

1. Pour beer and broth into hot pan.
2. Stir to loosen any browned bits from the skillet.
3. Let sit for a few minutes while you add other ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

1. Add carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onion, garlic, sage, beef base, and tomato paste to slow cooker with browned beef.
2. Pour beer/broth mixture from skillet into slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for about 7 -7½ hours.

Step 4: Thicken the Stew

1. Mix together butter and flour to form a pasty ball.
2. Remove lid from slow cooker; add horseradish and butter/flour mixture.
3. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Cover again; continue cooking another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving! Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Beef Stew!

How to Serve Crockpot Beef Stew

Crockpot beef stew is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – Serve with slices of warm, crusty baguette to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread – A side of buttery garlic bread adds a rich flavor that complements the stew.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Spoon the beef stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.

As a Pie Filling

• Stew Pie – Use the beef stew as a filling for a savory pie topped with flaky pastry. It makes for an indulgent dinner option.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

With Cheese

• Grated Parmesan – Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for added umami and richness.

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How to Perfect Crockpot Beef Stew

To ensure your crockpot beef stew turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the Right Cut of Meat – Use boneless chuck roast, as it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
• Brown the Meat First – Searing the beef adds depth to the flavor by creating browned bits that enhance the stew’s taste.
• Add Ingredients in Stages – Layer ingredients strategically; adding denser vegetables like potatoes and carrots first helps them cook evenly.
• Use Good Quality Broth – Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought beef broth to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Adjust Seasonings Before Serving – Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving to ensure perfect seasoning.
• Let it Rest Before Serving – Allowing the stew to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking enhances its flavors further.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Beef Stew

Pairing side dishes with your crockpot beef stew can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Simple Green Salad – A refreshing green salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the stew.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes roasted in olive oil complement the flavors well.
3. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf makes an excellent base for soaking up extra gravy from the stew.
4. Steamed Asparagus – Lightly steamed asparagus adds freshness and crunch to your plate.
5. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for enjoying alongside and soaking up any remaining broth.
6. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that balances out the hearty stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks make simple errors when preparing Crockpot Beef Stew. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them:

• Using tough cuts of meat: Opt for cuts like chuck roast that become tender with slow cooking. Avoid lean meats as they can dry out.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning the beef enhances flavor. Always sear the meat before adding it to the crockpot for a rich taste.
• Overcrowding the pot: Too much meat can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure all pieces brown properly.
• Neglecting seasoning: Season each layer, not just at the end. This builds depth in flavor and prevents a bland stew.
• Ignoring vegetable size: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking. Larger pieces may remain hard while smaller ones can become mushy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crockpot Beef Stew in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Beef Stew

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Enjoy your stew within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Crockpot Beef Stew

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Crockpot Beef Stew that might help enhance your cooking experience.

What is Crockpot Beef Stew?

Crockpot Beef Stew is a hearty dish made by slowly cooking beef with vegetables and seasonings, resulting in tender meat and rich flavors.

How long should I cook Crockpot Beef Stew?

Cook on LOW for about 7 – 7.5 hours or on HIGH for roughly 4 – 5 hours until the beef is tender.

Can I customize my Crockpot Beef Stew?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like green beans or sweet potatoes, or adjust spices according to your taste.

What type of beer is best for this stew?

A dark stout beer, like Guinness, is recommended because it adds depth and richness to the stew’s flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Beef Stew is not only comforting but also versatile—it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to satisfy everyone at your table!