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crock pot beef stew

(1 rating)
andapanda29 avatar
Recipe by
Andrea Olson
@andapanda29
Fort Lauderdale, FL

This Beef Stew may be made in the Crock-Pot or on the stove top in a large Dutch oven, but for the best results, be sure your Crock-Pot doesn't boil; it should simmer lightly. Boiling will make the beef stringy and dry, will ruin the flavor of the broth and make the vegetables mushy - the results will be like stew from a can. Some Crock-Pots have probes which will allow you to set the desired temperature. This stew tastes even better the following day after the flavors have a chance to blend in the refrigerator!

(1 rating)
yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 30 Min
cook time 6 Hr

Ingredients For crock pot beef stew

  • 3 lb
    stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 Tbsp
    extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 lg
    onions, sliced
  • 1/2 lb
    large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch thick coins
  • 3 lg
    potatoes, in 1-inch cubes
  • 4
    garlic cloves, minced
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbsp
    flour (or enough to coat meat)
  • garlic and onion powder (for sprinkling)
  • 1 qt
    beef stock
  • water
  • 1/4 c
    ketchup

How To Make crock pot beef stew

  • 1
    Sprinkle the beef cubes lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and flour for extra flavor during browning.
  • 2
    When using a Crock-Pot for beef stew, for extra flavor, brown the floured beef cubes in olive oil before transferring them to the Crock-Pot (brown the salt pork along with the beef, if using). Brown onions and add garlic towards the end of the browning but don't allow it to take on too much color. In a Crock-pot, add all the vegetables at the beginning; set the Crock-Pot to 170-190°F and leave to cook from 5-8 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender.
  • 3
    If using a Dutch oven, add the vegetables during the last 35 minutes of cooking and simmer until tender. Add a few tablespoons of flour at the same time to thicken the gravy, if desired. The gravy may also be thickened by stirring a a tablespoon or so of cornstarch into cold water before adding to the stew. Be sure to allow ample time for the thickener to cook before serving time to avoid a raw flour taste.
  • 4
    Extra vegetables can be added if you have them on hand. Turnips, corn, sweet potatoes, fresh peas and green beans are all wonderful additions. A pinch of thyme and basil and bay leaf can be added, too.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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