It is a wonderful time of year for stews. I frequently like to make beef stew in the winter. There is always a slight chill in the house since I try to save money on heating bills, however, the beef stew does help warm me up nicely!
I am not a great cook, but I like to make simple meals that satisfy my husband and me. He is usually content with the beef stew, and it is definitely easy to make in the crockpot. I often just add carrots, onions, and potatoes, but occasionally like to add other vegetables, too.
Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe
I add everything to the crockpot in the order below and cook for eight hours on low or four hours on high.
• 2 or 4 carrots
• 2 or 3 potatoes
• 1/2 or 1 onion
• other vegetables, optional (I like green beans if I have them on hand)
• 1 package of beef stew meat
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• cumin
• paprika
• basil
• pepper
• Himalayan pink salt
• 2 to 2-1/2 cups water
I never measure my spices. I sprinkle everything on top of the meat generously. The only things that I ever really worry about using too much of is the salt and pepper. I do like a little more salt than my husband does, and I think he likes a little more pepper than I do. Towards the end, once the meat is fully cooked, I taste and add more seasoning as needed. I will also add more water along the way if it looks like it needs it.
I really prefer to buy the stew meat that is just ready to toss into the crockpot since I hate cutting up meat, but if I find good deals on small steaks I often will just cut them up and add to the stew. This beef stew is one of my favorite meals that I make. I love how easy it is to prepare and have it come out tasting good!
