Beef stew is a staple in our home during the cooler months. This Crock Pot version, of a healthy dinner, is great to come home to at the end of the day.
This hearty one pot meal recipe is loaded with vegetables and flavour and is naturally gluten free!
It really hits the spot on a cold day.
Make up a quick batch of gluten free biscuits to complete your meal.
Every spoonful of this slow cooker recipe is loaded with delicious beef and vegetables.
Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.
Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!
Cutting up the vegetables can take some time but the end result of a crock pot of simmering Beef Stew is worth the effort.
First I chopped up some potatoes.
I greased my crock pot before adding any of the ingredients.
Next I dumped the potatoes into the prepared crock pot and spread them out evenly.
Then I prepared the meat layer by making sure the stewing beef was cut into 1 inch cubes before dumping the meat in on top of the potatoes.
After the beef I cut up some green pepper and yellow onion.
I also cut up some baby carrots.
You could cut up all your vegetables the night before to save time and then just keep them in the fridge.
Then I spread the cut vegetables out over top of the meat in the crock pot. I did not stir.
I sprinkled the vegetables with some salt and pepper.
After seasoning I poured some gluten free mushroom broth into the crockpot but I did not stir.
Next I poured a tin of diced tomatoes in on top of the carrots. I did not stir.
The final addition to the pot was some tomato paste that I dropped by spoonfuls on top of the diced tomatoes. I did not stir.
Then I placed the lid on the crock pot.
I set the pot to cook on low power for 8 hours.
After 7 hours I removed the lid and sprinkled in some frozen corn and some frozen peas. I replaced the lid and let the stew cook again.
With about 30 minutes remaining in the cook time I removed the lid again and stirred everything together and then put the lid back on the crock pot.
Crock Pot Beef Stew is loaded with vegetables and meat. It is a hearty one pot meal to serve in the cooler weather.
Give it another good stir before serving it up so you get a good blend of all the wholesome ingredients in every serving.
One pot meals might take a bit more prep time but they are sure worth the effort!
Enjoy this hearty meal with a slice of toast or whip up a batch of your favourite biscuits. You might like to try Gluten Free Biscuits, or Almond Flour Biscuits.
Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.
More Comfort Meals You Will Love…
PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make this Crock Pot Beef Stew:
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 2 cups carrots chopped
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 4 medium potatoes chopped
- 2 lbs stewing beef cut in 1″ cubes
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free mushroom broth
- 28 oz diced tomatoes (796 ml)
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 12.5 oz tomato paste (369 ml)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Stew:
- Spray the crock pot with cooking spray.
- Cut the potatoes into bite size pieces and put them in the crock pot. I left the skin on.
- Make sure the stewing beef is cut into 1″ cubes and dump the cubes in on top of the potatoes. Do not stir.
- Chop up the onion, green pepper and carrots. Add them to the crock pot on top of the meat. Do not stir.
- Sprinkle the salt and pepper on top of the vegetables. Do not stir.
- Pour in the broth. Do not stir.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes after the broth. Do not stir.
- Drop the tomato paste in by spoonfuls and do not stir.
- Place the lid on the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours.
- After 7 hours sprinkle in the peas and corn. Do not stir.
- When about 30 minutes of cooking time is left remove the lid and give the ingredients a good stir. Replace the lid.
- Give another good stir when cooking time is complete and before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
FAQS:
What should I serve with crock pot beef stew?
Crock pot beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:
- Gluten Free Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve warm slices of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious stew broth.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to beef stew. They complement the flavors and add extra comfort to the meal.
- Rice: White or brown rice is a simple and versatile option to serve alongside beef stew. It’s great for soaking up the juices and adding some extra bulk to the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast some carrots, parsnips, potatoes, or a medley of vegetables to serve alongside the stew. The caramelized flavors of roasted vegetables complement the richness of the beef.
- Side Salad: A fresh side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
- Gluten Free Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread is another excellent option to serve with beef stew. Its crumbly texture and slightly sweet flavor are perfect for mopping up the stew.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or cauliflower can provide a lighter option to balance out the richness of the stew.
- Gluten Free Herb Buttered Noodles: Cook some egg noodles and toss them with a bit of herb-infused butter for a simple yet delicious side dish.
- Gluten Free Biscuits: Flaky biscuits are a comforting addition to any stew. Serve them warm with butter for an extra treat.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw can add a crunchy and tangy element to the meal. It’s a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
Choose one or a combination of these sides based on your preferences and what you have on hand to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal with your crock pot beef stew.
How do I store crock pot beef stew?
Storing crock pot beef stew is fairly straightforward. Here are some steps to ensure it stays fresh:
- Cooling Down: Let the stew cool down to room temperature before storing it. Leaving it out for too long at room temperature can encourage bacterial growth.
- Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer the beef stew into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Divide it into smaller portions if you won’t be consuming it all at once. This helps in faster cooling and easier storage.
- Labeling: Label the containers or bags with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the stew in the refrigerator. It can typically last for 3 to 4 days when properly stored.
- Reheating: Reheat the stew thoroughly before serving. You can do this on the stovetop over low to medium heat or in the microwave. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Remember to always use clean utensils and containers when handling and storing food to prevent contamination. Additionally, if you notice any signs of spoilage such as an off smell, unusual color, or slimy texture, it’s best to discard the stew to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
Can I freeze crock pot beef stew?
Yes, you can freeze crockpot beef stew. Here’s a general guideline on how to do it:
- Cool Down: Let the beef stew cool down to room temperature before freezing. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can lead to freezer burn.
- Portioning: Decide on portion sizes that work best for you. You can freeze the stew in individual servings or larger batches, depending on your preference.
- Containers: Use airtight containers or freezer bags to store the stew. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the stew freezes.
- Labeling: Label the containers or bags with the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of how long the stew has been in the freezer.
- Freezing: Place the containers or bags of beef stew in the freezer. Try to lay them flat if using bags to maximize space and facilitate stacking.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to eat the stew, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, you can reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s heated through.
By following these steps, you can safely freeze crockpot beef stew and enjoy it later.