Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners and cozy nights in. This easy-to-follow recipe brings together tender beef, savory vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot. It’s a comforting classic that everyone will love, and it’s incredibly simple to make.
Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew
Why This Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Stew Recipe is a Must-Try
This Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Stew recipe isn’t just another beef stew; it’s a nostalgic trip back to childhood comfort food, reimagined with the ease of a slow cooker. If you’re looking for a meal that evokes warmth and satisfaction, this is it. Ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday suppers, this stew is incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Imagine coming home on a chilly evening to the rich aroma of beef stew simmering away. This recipe makes it a reality. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, alongside fluffy cornbread, or simply enjoy it as a complete and satisfying meal in a bowl. This Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Stew is destined to become a staple in your recipe collection.
What Makes Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Beef Stew Special?
Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Beef Stew distinguishes itself with its focus on rich, deep flavors developed through simple, quality ingredients. The foundation of this stew is tender beef chuck, slow-cooked in a savory beef broth. What elevates it are the thoughtfully chosen additions: robust vegetables like potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, along with fresh herbs and a touch of Worcestershire sauce for an umami boost. A secret ingredient, balsamic vinegar, adds a subtle tang and sweetness, creating a balanced and complex flavor profile that sets this stew apart from the rest.
Pioneer Woman Beef Stew Crockpot
Essential Ingredients for Your Crock Pot Beef Stew
To create this flavorful Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Beef Stew, gather these simple yet impactful ingredients:
- Beef Chuck: The heart of the stew. You’ll need about 3 pounds of beef chuck, trimming excess fat to yield approximately 2.5 pounds of lean, flavorful stew meat.
- Beef Broth: The liquid base, choose beef broth or beef bone broth for extra richness. About 2 ½ cups will create the perfect stew consistency.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons of tomato paste will deepen the broth’s flavor and contribute to a satisfyingly thick stew.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce enhances the savory umami notes, adding depth and complexity.
- Balsamic Vinegar: ½ tablespoon of balsamic vinegar provides a subtle tang and a hint of sweetness to balance the richness of the stew.
- Fresh Herbs & Seasonings: Garlic and dried thyme are the key aromatics. You’ll need minced garlic cloves and a teaspoon of dried thyme. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- Vegetables: A medley of classic stew vegetables: onions (large yellow, chunked), carrots (large, peeled and sliced), potatoes (Yukon Gold, diced), and frozen peas (added at the end for freshness).
- Flour: ¼ cup of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative) is used to thicken the stew at the end of cooking.
Choosing the Best Beef for Crock Pot Beef Stew
For Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Beef Stew, the best beef cuts are those that become incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Leaner, less fatty cuts are ideal because the long cooking process breaks down connective tissues, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Chuck roast is the top recommendation. It’s flavorful, budget-friendly, and becomes wonderfully tender in the crock pot. Other suitable options include brisket or round roast, ensuring a delicious and satisfying stew every time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Beef Stew
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Beef Stew:
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the beef chuck pieces generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to a 6- or 8-quart slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Pour beef broth into the slow cooker over the beef. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the liquid ingredients. Add minced garlic, onion chunks, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 4 to 5 hours. Cooking on low for a longer period is recommended for maximum tenderness and flavor development.
- Thicken the Stew: In a medium bowl, ladle out 1 cup of hot juices from the slow cooker. Whisk in the flour until completely smooth and no lumps remain. Pour the flour mixture back into the slow cooker and stir to incorporate.
- Add Peas and Finish: Stir in the frozen peas. Increase the slow cooker setting to high and simmer uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the beef stew has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Beef Stew into bowls and serve immediately. It pairs wonderfully with toasted French bread, cornbread, crackers, or biscuits for dipping and soaking up the delicious gravy.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Beef Stew
While Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Beef Stew is a complete meal on its own, enhancing your dining experience with complementary side dishes is always a great idea. Consider these delicious options:
- Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
- Warm Focaccia Bread
- Garlic Crescent Rolls
- Ciabatta Bread – For a rustic touch.
- Light and airy Popovers
- Creamy Dreamy Mashed Potatoes – For extra comfort.
- Green Beans Almondine – To add a fresh, green element.
- Refreshing Green Bean Salad
- Roasted Red Potatoes
- Three Bean Salad – A classic side salad.
- Roasted New Potatoes with Asparagus
- Mexican Street Corn Salad – For a surprising and flavorful contrast.
Storing and Reheating Your Crock Pot Beef Stew
Storing Leftovers:
Allow any leftover Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Beef Stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Stovetop Reheating:
- Pour the refrigerated beef stew into a saucepan. Add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the stew.
- Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Avoid overheating.
Microwave Reheating:
- Place a serving of stew in a microwave-safe dish with a lid.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring every minute to ensure even heating.
Crock Pot Reheating:
- Return the stew to the crock pot. Add a little broth or water if necessary to prevent scorching.
- Reheat on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Expert Tips for the Best Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Don’t Skip Searing the Beef: Searing the beef before slow cooking is crucial for developing rich, deep flavor in your stew. It adds a caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste.
- Low and Slow is Key: While you can cook this stew on high, cooking it on low for 7-8 hours is highly recommended. This ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Properly Thicken the Stew: To avoid lumps, always whisk the flour into a separate bowl with some hot stew juices before adding it back to the crock pot. This creates a smooth and velvety texture.
Pioneer Woman Beef Stew Crockpot
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Beef Stew
What are the Best Potatoes for Crock Pot Beef Stew?
Yukon Gold and red potatoes are ideal for Pioneer Woman’s Beef Stew. Their lower starch content helps them hold their shape during long cooking times, unlike russet potatoes which can become mushy.
Is Searing Beef Necessary for Crock Pot Beef Stew?
While technically not mandatory, searing the beef significantly improves the stew’s flavor, color, and texture. It’s a worthwhile step for a richer, more satisfying dish.
Freezing Crock Pot Beef Stew?
Yes, Pioneer Woman’s Crock Pot Beef Stew freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I Put Raw Beef Directly in the Slow Cooker?
Yes, it is safe to put raw beef in a slow cooker. Ensure the beef reaches a safe internal temperature during cooking. If using frozen beef, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight beforehand.
Why Sear Beef Before Slow Cooking?
Searing beef before slow cooking enhances flavor through caramelization and helps retain juices, preventing dryness. Flour-dredged beef also aids in thickening the stew.
Does Beef Stew Get More Tender the Longer it Cooks?
Yes, slow, prolonged cooking time is essential for tender beef in stew. It breaks down tough fibers, resulting in fork-tender meat. Adding a touch of acid, like balsamic vinegar in this recipe, also helps tenderize the beef.
Can You Overcook Beef Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, overcooking can lead to dry beef. Monitor cooking time and switch to the “warm” setting if your serving time is delayed to maintain optimal tenderness.
Pioneer Woman Beef Stew Crockpot
Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew
Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
By Erin Table for Seven
Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew is a comforting and delicious meal, slow-cooked with tender beef, garlic, fresh herbs, potatoes, and carrots. It’s a protein-packed, family-friendly supper that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
5 from 8 votes
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Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 7 hours hrs
Total Time 7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 569 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 pounds beef chuck trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 pounds when trimmed)
- freshly ground salt and pepper to taste
- 2 ½ cups beef broth or beef bone broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- lots of freshly ground black pepper
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 large yellow onion cut into chunks
- 4 large carrots peeled and cut into 1/2-inch diagonal slices
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour or sub all-purpose gluten-free flour
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large pan set over medium heat.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper. Cook in batches to allow a good sear, add the beef to the pan and allow to cook until browned, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer the beef to a 6- or 8-quart capacity slow cooker.
- Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker, stirring until mixed. Add the garlic, onion pieces, carrots, and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. I like cooking this dish slow and low so that the meat becomes tender and the flavors meld together.
- Next, transfer 1 cup of the juices from the slow cooker to a medium-sized bowl. Whisk in the flour until there are no lumps.
- Stir the flour mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add the frozen peas and simmer, uncovered, on high for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the beef stew thickens slightly.
- Serve immediately with French bread, cornbread, crackers, or biscuits that have been toasted.
Recipe Notes
- Sear the beef before cooking it in the crockpot. This is essential! Browning the steak in a pan ahead of time adds more flavor to the stew.
- Cook it on low. While many crockpot dishes may be cooked on high for 3 to 4 hours, I strongly advise cooking Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew on low for the entire 7 to 8 hours. This will guarantee that the meat becomes tender.
- Thicken your stew properly. When it’s time to thicken Pioneer Woman’s Crockpot Beef Stew with flour, take 1 cup of beef stock from the crockpot and place it in a bowl. Then, whisk in 1/4 cup flour until no lumps remain and return it to the stew, stirring it to incorporate. If you add flour directly to the stew, it will turn lumpy.
Nutrition
Calories: 569kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 49gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 156mgSodium: 1058mgPotassium: 1438mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 7100IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 7mg
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