This Crockpot Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Packed with rich flavors from stout beer and tender beef, it warms your soul on chilly evenings. With minimal prep time and the functionality of a slow cooker, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. The unique combination of horseradish and fresh herbs elevates the flavor profile, making it a standout meal that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Simply season and brown the beef, then let your slow cooker do the work.
Rich Flavor: The addition of dark stout beer brings depth to the stew, complemented by hearty vegetables.
Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize with your favorite root vegetables or add extra spices to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly: A comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Perfect for Leftovers: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or batch cooking.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delicious Crockpot Beef Stew, gather your essential tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow Cooker
Large Skillet
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
Measuring Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Slow Cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking; just set it and forget it!
Large Skillet: Perfect for browning beef and developing flavors before transferring to the crockpot.
Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables; essential for prep work.
Sharp Knife: Ensures easy and precise cutting of meat and veggies, speeding up preparation time.

Ingredients

This beer and horseradish beef stew is the definition of pure comfort food!

For the Beef Stew

2 – 2 1/2 lbs boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
12 oz dark stout beer (I usually use Guinness)
3 cups beef broth
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 1/4 lb baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
1 yellow onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp fresh sage, minced
2 Tbsp beef base (better than bouillon)
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1-2 Tbsp prepared horseradish
1 Tbsp softened butter
1 Tbsp all purpose flour

How to Make Crockpot Beef Stew

Step 1: Seasoning and Browning the Beef

Season beef pieces with 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over MED-HIGH heat until shimmering.
Add beef in a single layer (you may have to do this in batches).
Brown on all sides, about 1-2 minutes per side, then turn off heat.
Remove beef to slow cooker.

Step 2: Preparing the Broth Mixture

Pour beer and broth into hot pan.
Stir to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Let sit for a few minutes while you add other ingredients.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onion, garlic, sage, beef base, and tomato paste to slow cooker with browned beef.
Pour beer/broth mixture from skillet into the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 – 7 1/2 hours.

Step 4: Final Touches

Mix together butter and flour to form a pasty ball.
Remove lid from slow cooker; add horseradish and butter/flour mixture.
Stir well; cover again and continue cooking another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste; add additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve Your Delicious Stew

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving! Enjoy your hearty Crockpot Beef Stew with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal!

How to Serve Crockpot Beef Stew

Crockpot Beef Stew is a hearty meal that warms the soul and satisfies hunger. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Bread

Serve with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. The bread absorbs the rich broth beautifully.

Over Mashed Potatoes

Spoon the stew over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. The potatoes soak up the flavors perfectly.

Accompanied by Rice

Serve it over fluffy rice for a filling option. The rice balances the robust flavors of the beef stew.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme to add freshness. This simple touch enhances both flavor and presentation.

In a Bread Bowl

For a fun presentation, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls. It makes for an impressive dish at gatherings.

How to Perfect Crockpot Beef Stew

Getting your Crockpot Beef Stew just right can take some practice, but these tips will help you achieve perfection every time.

Choose the right cut of meat: Use boneless chuck roast as it becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
Brown the meat properly: Searing the beef before adding it to the crockpot enhances flavor through caramelization.
Adjust seasoning slowly: Taste your stew towards the end and add salt and pepper incrementally for better control.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs bring vibrant flavors, making your stew taste even better.
Thicken wisely: Combine flour and butter into a paste to avoid lumps when thickening your stew at the end.
Let it rest: Allowing the stew to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Beef Stew

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Beef Stew can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some delightful options.

Garlic Bread
A buttery garlic bread complements the stew, perfect for soaking up extra broth.
Roasted Vegetables
Seasoned roasted veggies add color and crunch alongside your hearty stew.
Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and contrast to the warm, rich stew.
Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances the stew’s richness.
Cornbread
Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with savory beef stew, creating a delightful combination of flavors.
Steamed Green Beans
Simple steamed green beans offer a light side that complements the heavy nature of beef stew without overpowering it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Crockpot Beef Stew, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that may affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

Using Low-Quality Meat: Always choose good quality beef. Low-grade meat can lead to tough and chewy stew. Opt for a boneless chuck roast for the best results.
Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Filling the crockpot too much can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended quantities in the recipe for optimal flavor and tenderness.
Skipping Browning the Meat: Skipping this step can result in a less flavorful stew. Browning enhances the taste by caramelizing the meat before slow cooking.
Not Seasoning Properly: Under-seasoned stew can taste bland. Be sure to season at every stage of cooking, including during browning and before serving.
Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking for too long can break down the ingredients too much, while not enough time can leave them tough. Follow the timing closely for perfect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Crockpot Beef Stew in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crockpot Beef Stew

Ensure it cools completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags; it lasts up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Beef Stew

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place stew in a covered dish for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl covered with a lid, stirring halfway through, for about 3-5 minutes.
Stovetop: Place in a pot over medium heat, stirring often until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Crockpot Beef Stew.

Can I use other types of meat?

You can certainly experiment with different meats such as pork or chicken, but cooking times may vary.

What if I don’t have stout beer?

If you don’t have stout beer, you can use beef broth or another dark beer as a substitute for similar flavor.

How do I thicken my stew?

For thicker stew, mix equal parts butter and flour into a paste and stir it into the slow cooker during the last cooking phase.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include your favorite vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

How long should I cook it on high?

If you’re short on time, you can cook your Crockpot Beef Stew on high for approximately 4 hours instead of the low setting.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Beef Stew is truly comfort food at its finest. Its rich flavors and tender meat make it irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile—customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Crockpot Beef Stew

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Author: Grace
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Crockpot Beef Stew is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings. This hearty dish features tender chunks of beef simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful broth made with dark stout beer, fresh herbs, and an array of hearty vegetables. The slow cooker does all the work for you, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With its delightful combination of flavors and easy preparation, this stew will become a staple in your home. Serve it over mashed potatoes, with crusty bread, or simply on its own—either way, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

2 – 2 1/2 lbs boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
12 oz dark stout beer
3 cups beef broth
3 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 1/4 lb baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
1 yellow onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp fresh sage, minced
2 Tbsp beef base (better than bouillon)
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1–2 Tbsp prepared horseradish
1 Tbsp softened butter
1 Tbsp all purpose flour

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Instructions

Season beef pieces with 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over MED-HIGH heat until shimmering.
Add beef in a single layer (you may have to do this in batches).
Brown on all sides, about 1-2 minutes per side, then turn off heat.
Remove beef to slow cooker.
Pour beer and broth into hot pan.
Stir to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Let sit for a few minutes while you add other ingredients.
Add carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onion, garlic, sage, beef base, and tomato paste to slow cooker with browned beef.
Pour beer/broth mixture from skillet into the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 – 7 1/2 hours.
Mix together butter and flour to form a pasty ball.
Remove lid from slow cooker; add horseradish and butter/flour mixture.
Stir well; cover again and continue cooking another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste; add additional salt and pepper as needed.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American