Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

I love comfort food and I can’t resist the Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew. Easy to make and beef, carrots, potatoes, garlic and a splash of red wine.

I remember the first time I made the Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew. It was a chilly fall evening and the leaves were rustling outside my window. I was browsing Ree’s site looking for a dish that would warm the heart and soul. As someone who loves family traditions this stew caught my eye with its promise of big flavor and easy.

this Recipe

The first time I made this I walked into the kitchen and the smell of tender beef and carrots and potatoes and a splash of red wine filled the air. It was like the stew was weaving a warm blanket of comfort and nostalgia around me, like my grandmother’s old fashioned meals. What makes this recipe so special is not only the taste but how easy it is to fit into a busy life. It’s budget friendly, easy to make and the slow cooker does all the work so you can spend more time with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

• Easy Peasy: I love how easy this is to make. Just a few minutes of chopping and mixing and the slow cooker does the rest so I can do other things or just relax.
• Big Flavor: Beef, carrots, potatoes and garlic simmering with red wine is a flavor combination that gets better and better over time and results in a stew that’s comforting and satisfying.
• Works Every Time: Thanks to the slow cooker the low and slow cooking process ensures the beef is tender and the veggies soak up all the flavor making it a fool proof recipe for any skill level.
• Anytime: Whether it’s a cold evening or a casual family dinner this stew is versatile and can be made any time and brings warmth to the table.
• Budget Friendly and Nutritious: Using affordable ingredients without sacrificing flavor makes this a go to for those looking for a healthy meal without the cost.

Ingredients Notes

• Olive Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil for the flavor and to brown the beef.
• Beef Chuck: Use well marbled beef chuck. It will get tender and flavorful after slow cooking and makes the stew heartier.
• Salt and Pepper: Freshly ground salt and pepper are a must for seasoning. They bring out the natural flavors of the beef and veggies.
• Beef Broth: High quality beef broth or bone broth adds a savory base and richness to the stew and texture.
• Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds a tanginess and a hint of sweetness to balance out the beef.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a deep umami flavor to the stew with a hint of tang.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar adds acidity and depth of flavor and a bit of sweetness.
• Dried Thyme: Dried thyme adds an earthy aroma to the beef and veggies with its subtle herbal notes.
• Garlic: Minced garlic gives the stew a big aromatic flavor and savory flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Chopped yellow onion adds sweetness and texture and melts into the stew for a rich base.
• Carrots: Carrots add sweetness and color to the stew and texture and visual appeal.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These hold their shape well and are creamy and absorb the flavors of the stew.
• All-Purpose Flour: Flour thickens the stew and makes it luscious without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Frozen Peas: Frozen peas add color and sweetness and freshness to the savory.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew

Step 1:

Gather all your ingredients: beef chuck, olive oil, salt, pepper, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, garlic, yellow onion, carrots, Yukon Gold potatoes, all-purpose flour and frozen peas. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and you won’t miss anything.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

Cut the beef chuck into bite sized pieces. Season with freshly ground salt and pepper. This is important to get flavor into the meat before it cooks in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the seasoned beef cubes in batches, don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef until browned on all sides, this will lock in the juices and add depth to the flavor of the stew.

Step 4: Prepare the Veggies

While the beef is searing, peel and chop the carrots and Yukon Gold potatoes into same size pieces. Chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic. This will ensure even cooking and all the flavors will blend together in the stew.

Step 5: Assemble the Stew in the Crockpot

Add the seared beef to the crockpot. Add the chopped veggies, minced garlic and diced onion. This layering will help distribute the flavors as the stew cooks.

Step 6: Make the Flavor Base

In a bowl, combine beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar and dried thyme. Pour over the beef and veggies in the crockpot. Stir gently to make sure everything is coated and the flavors are mixed together.

Step 7: Thicken

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the top of the mixture in the crockpot. Stir to combine, make sure the flour dissolves. This will thicken the stew and make it luscious.

Step 8: Cook Low and Slow

Set the crockpot to low and cook for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender and the veggies are soft. The slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld together and make it a delicious stew.

Step 9: Add the Garnish

Add the frozen peas 30 minutes before serving. They will add a pop of color and a bit of sweetness to the stew.

Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew Tips

• Sear for Flavor: I always sear the beef until browned to lock in the juices and add depth.
• Same Veggies: Chop the carrots and potatoes into same size pieces so they cook evenly and have same texture.
• Layering: I layer the beef first, then the veggies so the flavors can distribute evenly during cooking.
• Mix Well: Make sure to fully dissolve the flour so you don’t get lumps and have a smooth stew.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper or vinegar to taste.

Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Cool completely before refrigerating to keep fresh.
• Freezer: Freeze in portion size containers for up to 3 months, leave some space for expansion to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stir occasionally, to preserve the texture and flavor.
• Food Safety: Reheat to 165°F to kill bacteria and make sure it’s safe to eat.
• Freezer Burn: Use heavy-duty freezer bags, remove air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Variations and Substitutions

You can adapt the Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew to your taste and dietary needs and it’s super fun and rewarding. Here are some variations and substitutions that will keep the stew hearty and textured:

Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the stew. Both will keep the stew luscious and not compromise on flavor.
• Dairy-Free: This is dairy-free but if you want to add some creaminess stir in a coconut milk based creamer towards the end of cooking.

Flavor Options

• Fruity: Add a handful of dried cranberries or apricots to the stew for a hint of fruity sweetness to the beef and veggies.
• Nutty: Add a tablespoon of almond butter to the broth for a nutty undertone to the stew.
• Spicy: If you like a little heat add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.

Protein Options

• Chicken Stew: Use chicken thighs instead of beef for a lighter version. The chicken will be tender and flavorful and soak up the broth nicely.
• Vegetarian: Use mushrooms and chickpeas instead of beef. This will give you a hearty texture and the stew will still be rich and filling.

Vegetable Options

• Root Vegetable Medley: Add parsnips or sweet potatoes for a sweeter, earthier flavor to go with the herbs in the stew.
• Leafy Greens: Add spinach or kale in the last 20 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and a burst of color.

These variations and substitutions will let you try new flavors while keeping the heart of the Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew. Go ahead and make it your own!

What to serve with Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew

• Crusty Bread: Great for sopping up the broth, crusty bread adds a nice crunch to the stew.
• Buttery Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are creamy and smooth against the chunky veggies and tender beef, making it even more comforting.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly bitter, caramelized flavor balances the richness of the stew and adds a healthy crunch.
• Classic Caesar Salad: The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing is a refreshing, zesty contrast to the stew and brightens up the meal.
• Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic these beans add a pop of freshness to the stew and enhance the garlic flavor.
• Herbed Quinoa: This protein rich grain absorbs the flavors of the stew and adds a nutty texture to the beef.
• Parmesan Polenta: Creamy polenta with a bit of cheese is a smooth savory base that elevates the flavors of the stew.
• Steamed Asparagus: With its delicate grassy flavor asparagus adds a light freshness to the stew and balances out the robustness.
• Wild Rice Pilaf: The nutty earthy flavor of wild rice adds to the richness of the stew and is a nice chew against the tender meat.
• Pickled Red Onions: Their tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the stew and adds a bright acidity to the meal.

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