Crockpot Hearty Beef Stew
(from SallyV’s recipe box)
This is really good, but be sure to follow all the steps. Prep takes a little longer, but it’s worth it!
Source: Mel's Kitchen Cafe
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 480 minutes
Serves 6 people
Categories: Crockpot
Ingredients
- 3 lb. chuck roast, cut into 1” pieces
- Salt and pepper
- 2 T. canola oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 2 C. chicken stock or beef stock
- 3 T. soy sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 T. Minute tapioca
- 1 lb. carrots, peeled and cut into 1” pieces
- 1 lb. red potatoes peeled and cut into 1” pieces
- 1 t. dried thyme
- 2 C. frozen peas
Directions
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Pat the meat dry and season all the pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 T. of the oil over medium heat. Cook half of the beef until it is well browned on each side, about 5 minutes. Put the meat into the crockpot and follow the same process with the rest of the meat adding another tablespoon of oil to the pan if necessary.
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When the meat is browned, add the onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the skillet and cook until they are translucent and golden, about 6 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the stock, soy sauce, 1/2 t. thyme and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil; stir in the tapioca and transfer to the crockpot, pouring it over the meat.
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In a large bowl, toss the carrots, potatoes, 1 T. oil, 1/2 t. thyme, 1/2 t. salt and 1/2 t. pepper. On the counter, lay out a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place the vegetables on one side of the foil. Fold the foil over the vegetables and crimp the edges really well to form a foil packet that will fit in the top of your crockpot. Place the foil packet of vegetables on top of the stew, cover the crockpot, and cook on high for 5 hours or low for 8-9 hours.
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When the stew is finished cooking, carefully remove the foil packet from the top of the stew. Discard the bay leaves. Carefully open the foil packet; return the vegetables and any juices to the crockpot and gently mix them into the stew. Stir in the peas and let them rest in the stew for 10-15 minutes, until they are heated through.