Have you ever thought that watching paint dry is quicker than making beef stew in a crockpot? Well, get ready for a surprise! We’re about to show you how to make beef stew in a crock pot fast. No need to wait long! Your yummy dinner will be ready super fast!
I’m Helen Knight, and I really enjoy experimenting with different ways of cooking and trying out new recipes. I also love sharing my favorite recipes with my readers, especially ones that turn out super tasty every time!
Quick and Easy Beef Stew Recipe for Your Crock Pot
This beef stew is super easy to make! Just chop up some potatoes, carrots, onions, and meat. Throw everything into a slow cooker, and let it cook slowly until everything is tender. You can even use a regular crockpot, no fancy equipment needed. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to cook. And the best part? It’s delicious and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients for Beef Stew
If you want to cook beef stew in your crock pot, you’ll need to gather a few items beforehand. Once you have all these things ready, you can start cooking your beef stew by following our recipes.
- 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups of beef broth
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
Instructions:
Brown the beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to your crock pot.
Saute the onions and garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer the onions and garlic to the crock pot.
Add the vegetables
Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the crock pot.
Season the stew
Sprinkle the flour over the ingredients in the crock pot and toss everything together to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. This will help thicken the stew as it cooks. Then, add the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the broth
Pour the beef broth over the ingredients in the crock pot. Stir everything together to combine.
Cook the stew
Cover the crock pot and cook the beef stew on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Serve and enjoy
Once the beef stew is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Speedy Beef Stew Tips: A Quick Overview
- Cut the beef into small pieces: Make the beef into smaller, bite-sized chunks. This makes it cook faster in the crock pot.
- Use hot liquids: Put in hot beef broth and red wine (if you’re using it). This helps the stew cook faster.
- Skip browning the beef: Browning the beef adds flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just put the raw beef straight into the crock pot.
- Choose fast-cooking veggies: Pick veggies like sliced mushrooms or frozen peas that cook quickly and don’t need much prep.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this beef stew recipe?
Yes, you can! While the recipe calls for beef stew meat, you can also use other cuts of beef like chuck roast or even stewing beef. Just ensure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with plant-based alternatives like seitan, tempeh, or extra-firm tofu. Instead of beef broth, you can use vegetable broth to maintain the flavor profile. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this beef stew recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Ensure that all other ingredients you’re using, including the broth and tomato paste, are gluten-free.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sodium?
Yes, you can opt for low-sodium or sodium-free beef broth and tomato paste. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of salt added to suit your dietary preferences. Herbs and spices can also enhance the flavor without relying too much on salt.
Can I prepare this beef stew recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and assemble them in the crock pot the night before. Store it covered in the refrigerator and simply start the crock pot in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.
Final Thoughts
In short, our speedy beef stew recipe makes cooking dinner a breeze. Just chop up your ingredients, toss them in the crockpot, and let it do the work for you. With a few time-saving tips, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in a flash.
