Today, I will make Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew, a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any season. This stew combines tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich broth, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s an excellent choice for family dinners, providing a nutritious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

What is Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew?

Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew is a classic slow-cooked dish that brings together chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables in a savory, thick broth. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender meat and a rich, hearty stew.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Simply combine ingredients in the crockpot and let it cook.
Flavorful: Slow cooking enhances the flavors of the beef and vegetables.
Nutritious: Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Comforting: A warm, satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for meal prepping and leftovers.
Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 cups beef broth

1 cup red wine (optional)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large onion, chopped
4 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, diced

2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew

Prepare the beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef stew meat with flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well coated.
Sear the beef: Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer to the crockpot.

Add vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, and celery to the crockpot.
Mix the broth: In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, and tomato paste.
Combine in the crockpot: Pour the broth mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot. Stir to combine.

Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Add peas: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the peas.
Garnish and serve: Remove the bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew

Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
Mashed Potatoes: Add an extra layer of comfort to the meal.
Rice: A simple side that complements the hearty stew.

Salad: A fresh, light contrast to the rich stew.
Roasted Vegetables: Enhances the meal with additional flavors and textures.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew

Sear the Beef: Browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot adds depth of flavor.

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can elevate the dish.
Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure not to overcrowd the crockpot to ensure even cooking.
Add Peas Last: Add peas in the last 30 minutes to keep them from getting mushy.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor.
Let it Rest: Let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for coating the beef.

Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Vegetarian: Substitute beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
Low-Carb: Skip the potatoes and add more low-carb vegetables like zucchini.

Herb-Infused: Add fresh basil or oregano for a different herb profile.

Storing Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew: Best Practices

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

Label: Clearly label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Cool Completely: Allow the stew to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew: Best Practices

Stovetop: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Microwave: Heat individual servings in the microwave on medium power until warm.
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 320

Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 5g

Sugars: 5g
Protein: 24g

FAQs

How do you make beef stew taste richer?

To make beef stew taste richer, try browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot. This caramelizes the meat and enhances its flavor. Additionally, using beef broth instead of water, adding a splash of red wine, and incorporating umami-rich ingredients like tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, or soy sauce can deepen the flavor profile of your stew.

How to make beef really tender in the stew?

To make beef really tender in a stew, use cuts like chuck roast or beef stew meat, which have enough fat and connective tissue that breaks down during long, slow cooking. Cooking the stew on low heat for a longer period (7-8 hours) in a crockpot allows the meat to become tender and flavorful. Ensuring you don’t boil the stew can also prevent the meat from becoming tough.

What is the best tenderizer for stew beef?

The best tenderizer for stew beef is typically the slow cooking process itself. However, marinating the beef in a mixture of acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice, or using a commercial meat tenderizer before cooking, can help break down the muscle fibers and make the beef more tender. Another option is adding a bit of pineapple or papaya juice to the marinade, as these fruits contain enzymes that naturally tenderize meat.

How to thicken beef stew?

To thicken the beef stew, you can use a few methods. One common approach is to make a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stirring it into the stew and cooking until it thickens. Alternatively, you can use flour or arrowroot powder in the same manner. Another option is to remove some of the cooked vegetables, blend them until smooth, and then stir them back into the stew to add thickness and enhance the flavor.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to please any crowd. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering. Enjoy this delicious stew and make your mealtime special!