Are you craving a hearty, delicious meal that’s also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This beef and potato crock pot recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Forget complicated cooking techniques and long prep times; this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the work, resulting in fall-apart tender beef and perfectly cooked potatoes, bursting with flavor. It's a true testament to the magic of homemade cooking and one of the best recipes for a comforting, healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step adds depth of flavor to your final dish. Set aside.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the browned beef cubes, beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Add potatoes: Gently stir in the cubed potatoes. Ensure they're evenly distributed throughout the slow cooker.
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Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
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Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional). This dish is perfect on its own or served with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Beef and Potato Crock Pot Recipe:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef: Browning in batches ensures a nice sear on each cube, resulting in richer flavor.
- Use a variety of potatoes: Feel free to experiment with different potato varieties for varied textures. Russet potatoes will get fluffier, while red potatoes hold their shape better.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the stew before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preference.
- Thicken the stew (optional): For a thicker stew, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, green beans, or peas during the last hour of cooking.
- Spicy beef stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy beef stew: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the exact ingredients and portion size. However, a general estimate per serving would be:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-35g
This easy beef and potato crock pot recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. It's a great example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals that don't compromise on flavor. Enjoy!