Homemade Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Easy One Pot Meal

Homemade Slow Cooker Beef Stew – This is just one of the many versions of a crock pot beef stew we prepare during the winter months.

There are many version of beef stew and it would take months to prepare them all.  Every cook has a family version of beef stew.

Along with Cassoulet and Onion Soup, it is without a doubt the #1 comfort food in our house.

This Beef Stew Recipe Combines Our Two Favorites

Prepared in any slow cooker or crockpot, it is the easiest recipe to prepare ahead of time.

After all, cooking is the last thing you want to be preoccupied with as family members come “home” for the holidays.

You may even have to pick them up at the airport or the train station as they arrive at all hours of the day!

Knowing that dinner is ready to eat gives the hostess plenty of time to catch up on happenings since family members last gathered under one roof on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

Not only is the crock pot beef stew a meal in itself, but it is also hearty and flavorful.

In fact, you can change nearly all the ingredients to make numerous variations on the basic meat stew.

Our best beef stew actually includes pork!

Just to give the stock a bit of body and richness.

Angus beef stew meat is very lean. The fat in the pork adds a little more flavor to the broth.

So gather all those family members around the kitchen or dining room table.  Enjoy a bowl of crock pot beef stew.

This stew tastes best prepared a day ahead so the flavors have time to blend.

Beef Stew Prep Time!

When crock pot has finished its “timed” cooking period, it remains hot and bubbly for several more hours.  This is perfect to cook the vegetables.

• The carrots go in first as they will be completely submerged in the broth and cook more evenly.
• The potatoes are layered over the carrots so that they are not completely submerged – they still cook evenly and keep their shape
• Layer the mushrooms over the potatoes as they require the least amount of time and will add liquid to the broth.

If you decide to “re-heat”, set to Low for about 1 hour. Stir all stew ingredients just prior to servings.

Your crock pot or slow cooker beef stew is ready to eat!

The only thing left to do is toss the green salad of your choice and slice the bread at the last minute.

Happy Holidays and Bon Appétit!

More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Veal Stew
• Mixed Bean Ham Soup
• Melt In Your Mouth Chuck Roast