Crockpot Beef Stew on High: A Flavorful Recipe Guide

Cooking beef stew in a crockpot on high heat is a convenient way to achieve tender, flavorful results without extensive preparation. Follow this easy recipe for a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave comfort food.

Ingredients for Crockpot Beef Stew

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cubed
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon 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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Start by chopping the vegetables and cubing the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces.

  2. Layer Ingredients: Place the beef stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.

  3. Mix Broth and Seasonings: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

  4. Pour Mixture Over: Pour the broth mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.

  5. Cook on High: Cover and cook on high heat for 4-5 hours or until the beef and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally, checking for doneness.

  6. Optional Thickening: If desired, about 30 minutes before serving, whisk 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of water until smooth. Stir into the stew to thicken the broth.

  7. Serve: Once cooked, discard the bay leaf and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Beef Stew

  • Meat Selection: Use chuck roast or beef stew meat for best results, as these cuts become tender when slow-cooked.

  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add celery, peas, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

  • Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference.

Benefits of Cooking on High Heat

  • Faster Cooking: Cooking on high heat reduces the cooking time compared to low heat, perfect for busy schedules.

  • Tender Meat: High heat helps to tenderize the meat faster, resulting in juicy and flavorful beef stew.

Conclusion

Crockpot beef stew cooked on high heat offers a convenient way to enjoy a hearty and comforting meal with minimal effort. Follow this recipe for delicious results that will satisfy your cravings and warm you up on cold days. Experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to customize your beef stew to perfection.