Healthy Crockpot Beef Stew: Hearty & Simple Comfort (Print Version)
This Healthy Crockpot Beef Stew is pure comfort! Tender beef and wholesome veggies simmer effortlessly all day, making a delicious, simple dinner. Easy meal-prep.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, High-Protein
# Ingredients:
→ Stew Base
01 -
2 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 -
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
03 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
04 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Veggies & Aromatics
05 -
1 large onion, diced
06 -
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
07 -
2 celery stalks, sliced
08 -
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
1.5 lbs Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-1.5 inch chunks
→ Flavor Enhancers
10 -
1 tsp dried thyme
11 -
2 bay leaves
12 -
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
13 -
1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
→ Finishing Touches
14 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, so some folks swear by searing the beef first. It does add a lovely depth of flavor and color, and I do it when I have time. Just heat a little oil in a pan, brown the beef cubes on all sides, then transfer them to your crockpot. But to be real, if you’re short on time or just feeling a bit lazy (no judgment here!), you can totally skip this step. I’ve done it plenty of times, and this Healthy Crockpot Beef Stew still comes out tender and delicious. It's all about making it work for you!
02 -
This is where my kitchen can look like a vegetable explosion! Dice your onion, slice your carrots, and chop your celery. For the potatoes, I cut them into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks. Remember, they're going to cook for a long time, so don't go too small unless you want mashed potatoes in your stew. I always find myself taking a deep breath and enjoying the colorful chaos of all the fresh produce before it goes into the pot. It smells so good, even before cooking!
03 -
Now for the easy part! Dump your prepped beef into the slow cooker. Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Toss in the diced tomatoes (undrained!), minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those lovely flavors. This is the part where you start to get excited, seeing all that potential deliciousness in one pot. It’s truly a beautiful sight!
04 -
Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. I usually go for the low and slow method because it really allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become incredibly tender, practically falling apart. Honestly, the smell that starts to waft through the house after a few hours is pure magic. It’s the best kind of kitchen aromatherapy, I swear! Just try not to peek too much, let the magic happen.
05 -
Here's a little trick I learned the hard way: if you add the potatoes at the very beginning, they can sometimes get a bit too mushy. So, about 1.5 to 2 hours before the stew is done (if cooking on low) or 1 hour (if on high), stir in your potato chunks. This ensures they cook through but still hold their shape beautifully. I remember one time I forgot this step and had a very potato-pudding-like stew, which wasn't quite what I was aiming for, lol!
06 -
Once the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft, remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – maybe a little more salt or pepper? Ladle your beautiful, hearty Healthy Crockpot Beef Stew into bowls. I love to sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. It just brightens everything up. The final result should be a rich, savory aroma, tender beef, and perfectly cooked veggies. Enjoy that warm hug in a bowl!
# Notes:
01 -
Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end; you'll be surprised how much difference a tiny pinch of salt can make.
02 -
Leftover Healthy Crockpot Beef Stew makes for even better lunches the next day; the flavors deepen beautifully.
03 -
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic, healthy swap for regular potatoes - I often use a mix for extra flavor and nutrients.
04 -
Serve with a crusty piece of bread to soak up all that incredible, savory broth - it's a must for me!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
6-quart (or larger) slow cooker / crockpot
02 -
large skillet (optional
03 -
for searing)
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 30g