Hearty Beef Stew For Crock-Pot
A hearty, tender beef stew with rich tomato flavor and savory vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks, cooked effortlessly in a crock-pot.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. stew beef, in 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 1/2 cup quick cooking tapioca ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- dash of allspice ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 5 carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 14 oz. tomatoes ⓘ
- 14 oz. water ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 3/4 teaspoons salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the crock-pot.
- Mix very well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours, until the meat and vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider browning the stew beef in a skillet before adding it to the crock-pot. You can substitute the quick cooking tapioca with cornstarch or flour for thickening. If you prefer a heartier stew, add potatoes or replace some of the carrots with parsnips. For a kick, a splash of Worcestershire sauce enhances the taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hearty Beef Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. A fresh green salad pairs nicely to balance the richness of the stew. For a complete comfort meal, consider serving it alongside Yam Soup for a delightful contrast. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the stew thickens too much in the fridge, add a little water while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Beef Stew For Crock-Pot contains roughly 682 calories, with 19g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (153% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), and iron (100% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 826mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it's best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you add frozen beef directly, the cooking time may need to be extended to ensure the meat reaches the right tenderness.
What can I use instead of beef?
For a lighter option, you can substitute beef with chicken or turkey. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, use hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like green beans, peas, or bell peppers. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as some vegetables will cook faster than others.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).