There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty bowl of beef stew, don’t you think? When the weather turns chilly, I can’t help but crave a warm, flavorful dish that wraps me in a cozy embrace, and that’s where my pioneer woman’s crockpot beef stew comes in! It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe that fills your home with the mouthwatering aroma of slow-cooked goodness. Just picture tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich broth mingling together for hours, creating a symphony of flavors that warms the soul. This stew is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds—and thirds!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious pioneer woman’s crockpot beef stew. I promise these ingredients come together beautifully to create a comforting meal that feels like home.
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 carrots, sliced into rounds
- 3 potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped (don’t worry about the tears, it’s worth it!)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier!)
- 4 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought, your choice!)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for that rich flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (a secret flavor booster)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you have it!)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (just a pinch for warmth)
- 2 bay leaves (they add a lovely depth)
- 1 cup frozen peas (for that pop of color and sweetness)
That’s it! Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Gather these, and you’re on your way to making the best beef stew ever!
How to Prepare Pioneer Womans Crockpot Beef Stew
Alright, let’s dive into the steps to create this amazing pioneer woman’s crockpot beef stew! It’s super straightforward, so don’t worry if you’re a beginner. I promise you can do this!
- First things first, heat a skillet over medium heat. You want to get it nice and hot to brown the beef. This step is crucial because it locks in all that juicy flavor!
- Once the skillet is hot, add the 2 pounds of beef chuck cubes. Sear them until they’re beautifully browned on all sides—about 5-7 minutes should do the trick. This will add a fantastic depth of flavor!
- Next, transfer the browned beef to your trusty crockpot. Don’t leave any of that delicious fond behind; it’s flavor gold!
- Now, toss in the carrot rounds, diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic right into the crockpot. It’s like a colorful veggie party!
- Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth, and then add in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and the bay leaves. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. This is where the magic happens! Just let it do its thing while you enjoy the amazing smells wafting through your home.
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add in that vibrant cup of frozen peas for a burst of color and sweetness. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving!
And there you have it! A hearty, comforting stew that’s just waiting to be devoured. Enjoy every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pioneer woman’s crockpot beef stew is truly a delight for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Quick and easy to prepare—just a bit of chopping and browning!
- Flavorful and hearty, perfect for satisfying those hunger pangs.
- Comforting and warming, it’s like a big hug in a bowl.
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
- Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pot.
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead and enjoy leftovers!
Trust me, once you taste this stew, it’ll become a staple in your home!
Tips for Success
To make your pioneer woman’s crockpot beef stew absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips that’ll elevate your dish to the next level!
- Browning the Meat: Don’t rush this step! Browning the beef in batches allows for better caramelization, which adds rich flavor. If the skillet gets too crowded, the meat will steam instead of sear.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the seasonings to your taste! If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes. For a herbier flavor, try adding rosemary or oregano.
- Serving Suggestions: This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery biscuits to soak up all that delicious broth. A fresh green salad on the side adds a nice crunch and balance!
- Don’t Skip the Peas: Adding the peas in the last 30 minutes keeps them vibrant and sweet. They add a lovely pop of color, making your stew even more inviting!
These little tips will ensure your stew is not just good, but phenomenal! Enjoy every bite!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your pioneer woman’s crockpot beef stew, I’ve got some delicious ideas for you! Try swapping out the thyme for fresh rosemary or adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist. You can also throw in some chopped bell peppers or parsnips for extra flavor and texture. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different root vegetables like sweet potatoes or turnips! For a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. These simple variations can take your stew from comforting to extraordinary!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious pioneer woman’s crockpot beef stew is super simple! Just let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just be sure to label the container with the date!
When it’s time to reheat, you can do so on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or pop it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick. Enjoy your cozy stew again!
Nutritional Information
Let’s chat about the nutritional goodness in this pioneer woman’s crockpot beef stew! Each serving (about 1 cup) packs a hearty 350 calories, with 15 grams of fat (5 grams saturated). You’ll also get 25 grams of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. In terms of carbs, there are around 30 grams, along with 4 grams of fiber and just 4 grams of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. It’s a comforting meal that’s not only delicious but also nourishing!
FAQ Section
Got questions about the pioneer woman’s crockpot beef stew? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I get:
Can I use a different cut of beef? Absolutely! While beef chuck is my go-to for its tenderness, you can use brisket or round if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember, different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
Can I make this stew without a crockpot? Yes! If you don’t have a crockpot, you can make this stew on the stovetop in a Dutch oven. Just simmer on low heat for about 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
How can I thicken the stew? If you like a thicker stew, try adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) about 30 minutes before serving. Stir it in and let it cook until thickened.
What should I do with leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently and enjoy!
Can I add more veggies? Definitely! Feel free to toss in some mushrooms, green beans, or even kale for added nutrition and flavor!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your pioneer woman’s crockpot beef stew, the right sides can make all the difference! I love serving this hearty stew alongside some warm, crusty bread or buttery rolls. They’re perfect for soaking up all that rich, flavorful broth! A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the stew beautifully, adding a refreshing crunch to each bite. If you’re in the mood for something extra, consider pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of roasted veggies for a complete meal. Trust me, these sides will elevate your stew experience to a whole new level!
Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew: 7 Cozy Comforts Revealed
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful beef stew made in a crockpot, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.
- Pour in beef broth and add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, add frozen peas.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pioneer womans crockpot beef stew
