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Easy Cozy Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe with Root Vegetables

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This cozy crockpot beef stew with root vegetables is the ultimate comfort food—tender beef, hearty root vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that tastes like you slaved over the stove all day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for a thicker coating; omit for gluten-free)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 1.5 cups)
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces (optional)
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup water (or more broth for a thinner stew)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 3 sprigs fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 sprig fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening, optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the beef. Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. If using the flour coating, toss the beef cubes in a bowl with the flour until lightly coated. Shake off any excess.
  2. Brown the beef in batches. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the beef cubes in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, using tongs to flip. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Repeat with the remaining beef, adding the second tablespoon of oil if needed.
  3. Sauté the aromatics. Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean), add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  4. Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste darkens slightly and starts to stick to the bottom of the pan.
  5. Deglaze the pan. Pour about 1/2 cup of the beef broth into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. Pour the entire mixture (onions, garlic, and liquid) into the slow cooker with the beef.
  6. Add the vegetables and broth. Add the carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and celery (if using) to the slow cooker. Pour in the remaining beef broth and the water. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir to combine.
  7. Cook low and slow. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. The stew is done when the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft but not falling apart.
  8. Thicken the broth (optional). If you prefer a thicker stew, about 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew, then cover and cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes, until the broth has thickened.
  9. Finish and serve. Remove the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Notes

For best flavor, don’t skip browning the beef. If the stew tastes flat at the end, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavors. The stew is even better the next day—make it ahead for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot beef stew, slow cooker beef stew, root vegetable stew, cozy stew, comfort food, easy beef stew, gluten-free stew, dairy-free stew

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/easy-cozy-crockpot-beef-stew-recipe-with-root-vegetables/