Beef Stew in Crock Pot on High: Easy and Flavorful Recipe
Cooking beef stew in a crock pot on high heat is a convenient method to achieve tender, flavorful meat and hearty vegetables without much effort. This slow cooking technique allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a delicious meal with minimal hands-on time. Here’s a detailed guide to preparing beef stew in a crock pot on high:
1. Ingredients for Beef Stew in Crock Pot on High:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
2. Instructions for Beef Stew in Crock Pot on High:
-
Prepare Ingredients: Begin by preparing all the ingredients - cube the beef stew meat, peel and dice the potatoes, slice the carrots, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.
-
Layer Ingredients: In the crock pot, layer the beef stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic.
-
Add Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
-
Cooking: Cover the crock pot and cook on high heat for 4-5 hours or until the beef and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally if possible.
-
Thicken (Optional): If desired, during the last 30 minutes of cooking, whisk together 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a bit of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew to thicken the broth.
-
Serve: Once cooked, discard the bay leaf and serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
3. Tips for Cooking Beef Stew in Crock Pot on High:
-
Cut Meat Evenly: Ensure the beef stew meat is cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
-
Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your crock pot model and the size of your ingredients. Check for doneness and adjust accordingly.
-
Enhance Flavors: Experiment with additional herbs and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
4. Conclusion:
Beef stew cooked in a crock pot on high heat is a hassle-free way to enjoy a comforting and hearty meal. With simple preparation and minimal supervision, you can create a flavorful dish that is perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a hungry crowd. Try this easy recipe for beef stew in your crock pot on high to experience the delicious melding of flavors and tender meat that slow cooking provides.