Herb Garden Beef Stew Recipe

As someone who loves the simplicity of crockpot recipes easy to prepare, I’ve crafted this stew to be both flavorful and nourishing. It’s one of those prep ahead dinners that you can assemble in the morning or even the night before, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking make ahead dinners for the week. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just dipping your toes into healthy crockpot meals, this stew will quickly become a family favorite.

Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that showcases the best of crockpot dishes. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready to enjoy by dinnertime. Let’s explore how to bring this comforting classic to your table!

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American Comfort Food
• Category: Main Dish, Slow Cooker
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (on low)
• Servings: 6-8

What You’ll Need

Creating this Herb Garden Beef Stew requires a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor. The beef provides a hearty base, while the vegetables add texture and nutrition. Fresh herbs are the star, infusing the stew with aromatic depth that elevates every bite. A splash of broth ties it all together, ensuring a rich and comforting result perfect for crock pot healthy meals.

You’ll also need a reliable slow cooker for effortless crockpot recipes slow cooker preparation. A sharp knife and cutting board will help with chopping, and a large spoon or ladle is handy for serving. These basic tools make this one of the most approachable easy crockpot dinners you’ll ever make.

Discover the vibrant flavors behind a comforting Herb Garden Beef Stew

INGREDIENTS

• – 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• – 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning, optional)
• – 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• – 3 large carrots, sliced into rounds
• – 2 medium onions, chopped
• – 3 stalks celery, sliced
• – 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• – 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• – 2 cloves garlic, minced
• – 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• – 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• – 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• – 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• – 1 bay leaf
• – 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

PREPARATION

1. If desired, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This step is optional but adds extra flavor to your Herb Garden Beef Stew. Transfer the beef to the crockpot.
2. In the slow cooker, layer the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onions, and sliced celery over the beef.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot.
4. Add the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients for this healthy crockpot dish.
5. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
6. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and let them cook until just heated through. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 600mg (varies with broth)
• Fiber: 5g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on a serving size of 1/6 of the recipe.

Why Use Fresh Herbs in Stew?

Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme are the backbone of this Herb Garden Beef Stew, offering a burst of flavor that dried herbs simply can’t match. They release their essential oils during the slow crock pot cooking process, infusing the dish with earthy, aromatic notes that complement the richness of the beef.

Can I Make This Stew Without a Crockpot?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can prepare this stew on the stovetop or in the oven. Simmer it in a heavy pot over low heat for about 2-3 hours, or bake it in a covered Dutch oven at 325°F for the same duration. The result will still be a comforting addition to your crockpot recipes easy repertoire, just with a different method.

How to Customize Your Beef Stew?

One of the beauties of crockpot dishes like this stew is their versatility. Swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes, add mushrooms for an umami kick, or toss in green beans instead of peas. Tailor it to your family’s tastes or whatever you have on hand for a truly personalized easy crockpot dinners experience.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Results

For the best outcome with crockpot recipes slow cooker style, avoid lifting the lid during cooking as it releases heat and slows the process. Also, cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. These small steps make a big difference in achieving tender, flavorful results for healthy crockpot meals.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This stew is perfect for make ahead dinners for the week as it tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Pairing Suggestions for Your Stew

Elevate your Herb Garden Beef Stew by serving it with crusty artisan bread to soak up the savory broth, or pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal. A glass of robust red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the deep flavors of this prep ahead dinners masterpiece beautifully.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Stew?

Yes, you can use frozen beef stew meat for this Herb Garden Beef Stew. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand if you’re using a slow cooker; just add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time on low. However, browning fresh or thawed meat first will enhance the flavor significantly for your crock pot cooking endeavors.

What Cuts of Beef Are Best for Slow Cooking?

For crockpot recipes slow cooker dishes like this stew, tougher cuts like chuck roast, round, or brisket are ideal. These cuts become incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking, breaking down into melt-in-your-mouth bites that define comforting easy crockpot dinners.

Can I Add Other Herbs to This Recipe?

Definitely! While rosemary and thyme are the stars of this Herb Garden Beef Stew, you can experiment with sage, oregano, or even a pinch of dried herbs if fresh aren’t available. Adjust to your taste for a unique twist on healthy crockpot meals.

How Do I Thicken My Stew if It’s Too Thin?

If your stew is too watery after cooking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened. This trick works wonders for perfecting crockpot dishes.

Savor the warmth of Herb Garden Beef Stew, perfect for chilly days