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Cozy Set-and-Forget Crockpot Beef Stew: Easy 5-Ingredient Meal

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A simple, dump-and-go beef stew made with just five ingredients in a crockpot. Perfect for busy days when you want comfort food without the effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
  • Fresh thyme sprigs or a bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Cut into 1.5-inch cubes, removing large pieces of fat or silver skin. Season lightly with black pepper if desired. (Optional: Sear beef in a hot skillet with oil for 2-3 minutes per side.)
  2. Peel carrots and cut into 2-inch chunks. Scrub potatoes and cut into 1.5-inch cubes. Place potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
  3. Place cubed beef in the bottom of a 5-6 quart crockpot. Add carrots and potatoes on top.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth and dry onion soup mix until mostly dissolved. Pour over beef and vegetables. Liquid should come about halfway up the ingredients.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours. Do not open the lid during cooking.
  6. After 8 hours, check that beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft. If beef is still tough, cook another 30-60 minutes.
  7. Taste broth and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir into stew, and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, cook on LOW for 8 hours. Searing the beef adds depth of flavor but is optional. Do not open the lid during cooking. Season at the end to avoid over-salting. The stew thickens as it cools.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot beef stew, easy beef stew, 5-ingredient stew, slow cooker stew, comfort food, set-and-forget

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/cozy-set-and-forget-crockpot-beef-stew-easy-5-ingredient-meal/