Easy and Delicious Stew Meat Potatoes Crock Pot Recipe
Creating a hearty and comforting stew with meat and potatoes in a crock pot is a perfect way to enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort. This slow-cooking method allows flavors to meld together, resulting in tender meat and perfectly cooked potatoes. Let’s explore how you can make this satisfying dish step-by-step.
1. Ingredients for Stew Meat Potatoes Crock Pot
To prepare stew meat and potatoes in a crock pot, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Meat and Vegetables:
- 1.5 pounds of stew meat (beef, lamb, or pork)
- 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 cup of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 bay leaf
Thickening Agent (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of cold water
2. Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare stew meat and potatoes in your crock pot:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cut the stew meat into bite-sized pieces if they are not already cut.
- Peel and cube the potatoes, slice the carrots, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
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Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
- Place the stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic into the crock pot.
- Add beef broth, water, dried thyme, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
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Cook on Low Heat:
- Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Stir occasionally if possible.
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Optional Thickening:
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with cold water until dissolved. Stir into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once ready, discard the bay leaf and serve the stew hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
3. Tips for Perfect Stew Meat Potatoes Crock Pot
- Choose the Right Meat: Stew meat such as chuck roast or beef stew meat works best for this recipe, as they become tender with slow cooking.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Besides carrots and onions, you can also add celery, mushrooms, or peas for added texture and flavor.
- Serve with Sides: Stew meat and potatoes crock pot dish pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh green salad.
4. Conclusion
Making stew meat and potatoes in a crock pot is not only convenient but also results in a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe allows you to enjoy tender meat and flavorful potatoes with minimal hands-on cooking time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit.