Crockpot Beef Stew With Gravy Recipe

I absolutely love this beef stew recipe because it fills my home with an amazing aroma and provides the ultimate comfort food experience after a long day. The tender beef and hearty vegetables simmering together create a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends over some good tunes and cozy vibes.

Creating hearty meal is a labor of love. But when a mother of five can do it on autopilot in the middle of a brain freeze, you know you’ve got a seriously easy, comforting recipe.

This is just that: Crockpot Beef Stew With Gravy. The kids help chop the veggies and seasoning, and they take turns sliding the pat of butter and beef cubes off the plate and into the slow cooker.

Then I pour the gravy, laced with Worcestershire sauce and garlic salt, over the top.

Ingredients

Beef Stew Meat:
High in protein and iron, required for muscle health.

Potatoes:
Rich in carbohydrates and fiber, offering power and helping with digestion.

Carrots:
Packed with beta-carotene, promoting ocular health and immunity.

Celery:
They have a low calorie count and are full of water, as well as being a rich source of vitamins A, K, and C.

Onions:
Antioxidants such as flavonoids enhance taste and provide health benefits.

Garlic:
Improves flavor; has allicin, recognized for its health advantages.

Peas:
Incorporate protein and fiber, which foster feelings of fullness and ensure healthy digestion.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss the beef stew meat in the flour mixture until well coated.

2. In a big frying pan, brown the coated beef cubes on medium-high heat until they’re seared nicely on all sides.

3. Put the beef in the crockpot. Add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the next four ingredients (garlic powder through tomato paste). Then add the thyme and bay leaves.

4. Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic, stirring well to combine all the elements.

5. Place the lid on the crockpot and set it to a low temperature for 7–8 hours; or, set it to a high temperature for 4–5 hours. Either way, the beef must become tender and the vegetables completely cooked before serving.

6. About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas to the crockpot and stir.

7. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with cool water to create a slurry.

8. Mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl until smooth. Add the cornstarch slurry to the crockpot and stir to combine. This will thicken the stew into a gravy.

9. Cover and cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your liking.

10. Before serving, check the taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Discard the bay leaves and serve the beef stew with gravy hot.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Frying pan
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Crockpot (slow cooker)
7. Cutting board
8. Chef’s knife
9. Slotted spoon or tongs
10. Small bowl
11. Whisk or fork

FAQ

• What type of beef is best for this stew?For the best results, use beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?Certainly! Fresh garlic can absolutely be used. Mince 2 cloves of garlic to stand in for the garlic powder, and enjoy the elevated taste.
• How can I thicken the stew if I don’t have cornstarch?Flour can be used as a substitute. Blend 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth and add it to the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Can I add other vegetables to the stew?Certainly, you can include vegetables like mushrooms or parsnips if you prefer them.
• Is it necessary to brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot?Though not necessary, browning the beef intensifies the stew’s flavor.
• How do I store leftovers?Let the stew cool completely. Then, place it in a sealed container in the fridge, where it will stay good for 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, stash it in the freezer, where it will last for up to 3 months.
• Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme?Indeed, fresh thyme can be used. Use 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves and substitute it for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute lamb stew meat for beef stew meat to provide a different flavor profile.
When utilizing a basic flour blend: Use whole wheat flour or cornstarch as a gluten-free alternative.
To make Worcestershire sauce: Use soy sauce or tamari to get an umami flavor that’s close to the real thing.
When making potato salad, try using sweet potatoes or parsnips for an interesting twist. Both lend a sweeter flavor that complements the many variations.
If using dried thyme: Substitute with dried rosemary or dried oregano for a distinct herby note.

Pro Tips

1. Brown the Meat Properly Take your time to sear the beef cubes in batches without overcrowding the pan. This will help develop a rich, deep flavor base for your stew.

2. Layer the Ingredients When adding ingredients to the crockpot, layer the vegetables and meat evenly for consistent cooking. Start with heartier vegetables like potatoes and carrots, placing them at the bottom before adding the meat and other ingredients.

3. Enhance Flavor with Herbs Experiment by adding a small amount of fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley in the last hour of cooking to freshen up the flavor profile.

4. Deglaze the Pan After browning the meat, deglaze the frying pan with a splash of beef broth or a bit of red wine to scrape up any flavorful browned bits, and then add this liquid to the crockpot.

5. Consistency Control If you prefer a thicker stew, use an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to reach your desired consistency, stirring and cooking for the extra time recommended.