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Super Simple Slow Cooker Beef Stew

February 13, 2014

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Here's a super simple slow cooker beef stew recipe that takes just 10 minutes to prep.

You can even use frozen veggies to cut down on the cutting!

Check it out.

Super Simple Beef Stew

 I am no gourmet.

I believe I have made that clear before.

It's just not my thing.

I am, admittedly, awed by the gorgeous food photos that pop up in my daily stream and I would love to tell you that I pin them or that I copy the recipes. But I don't.

I know that I'll never make them.

I don't really have the skills or the desire to prepare an extravagant meal.

I also don't have the stomach for it.

I like bland. It's boring, I know, but that's just the way it is.

Consequently, I have become a master at whipping up dishes that are basic, easy on my palate and quick to prepare.

This beef stew recipe is one of my all time favorites.

I make it in the crock pot, so the prep is done in a matter of minutes and it is not spicy or fussy, so I can eat it without regret.

It's not as spicy as my husband's slow cooker pulled pork or his lemongrass coconut curry chicken salad

Opposites attract I guess!

My recipe is also filled with veggies, so I feel good about giving it to the kids and, best of all, they love it, so they will actually eat it.

It's nothing new, that's for sure.

Beef stew recipes abound in blogland, but I made it today while we were snowed in, yet again, and I thought it might serve as a nice reminder that dinner doesn't have to be difficult to be delicious!

Two Potatoes For Beef Stew

Exquisitely Unremarkable Beef Stew Recipe


Ingredients:


  • 2 pounds of cubed sirloin (I don't like the meat they usually sell for stew ~ I spend a bit more, but it tastes so much better)
  • 1-2 tablespoons of flour
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1-2 beef bouillon cubes (I don't use any with MSG)
  • 1/2- 3/4 of a bag of frozen carrots sliced or whole, your choice
  • 3 large potatoes, chopped into small pieces
  • salt, pepper and onion powder to taste

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

The process is very simple.

I turn the crock pot on high while I chop the meat and toss it in to brown a bit as I continue to chop.

When all the meat is cut up and in the pot, I coat it with salt, pepper and flour.

I let it sit for a few more minutes while I peel and chop the potatoes.

Honestly, that is the worst part of the prep for me.

When the potatoes are chopped I toss them in the pot, add the water, the frozen carrots (yes, I am that lazy), the onion powder and the bouillon cubes.

Beef Stew Recipe Beef cooking in crock pot

I cover the pot and let it cook for 4-6 hours on high.

I know that the whole point of the crock pot is to set it and forget it, but too many people I know have lost a house to fire, so I am paranoid and do not leave it on when I am not home.

I know it kind of defeats the purpose, but that's just me.

No Slow Cooker?


Now, if you need to make this meal in a jiffy, or you don't have a crock pot, it can be done.
I use all the same measurements and throw everything in a pot and cook it up on the stove.

Of course, it tastes much better when it all gets to simmer for hours together, but some nights good enough has to do.

Just remember to keep replenishing the water as it evaporates out and that you may have to add another half of the bouillon cube, as well.

That's it.

Super Simple Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe

That's my completely unoriginal, totally overshared, utterly un-pinnable, boring and bland, yet absolutely yummy, super simple beef stew recipe.

I hope you enjoy!

Do you have a basic favorite?
Kim Signature


Post a Comment | 24 Comments

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  1. That sounds wonderful, Kim. That is the kind of easy, throw-together meal I like on a day-to-day basis. Although I do like to go all out for company once in a while. I put one of my favorite crock pot recipes on a couple of weeks or so ago. Chicken and wild rice soup- Pretty bland, too, but lots of flavor- xo Diana.

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    1. I don't know how I missed that post, Diana, but I am on my way over to check it out. It sounds delicious. I am always on the lookout for a realistic meal! :)

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  2. I don't think I would leave a crock pot unattended. I also have to use a timer. It sounds yummy.

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    1. Thanks! Yea, my friends make fun of me, but I just can't leave the house with something hot plugged in all day long! It's like leaving the curling iron on!

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  3. Kim, you are forever my hero in blogland! Thanks for the inspiration to make something decent and easy for supper this weekend.

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    1. Nancy, you are always so very sweet! :) I wish you a yummy weekend!

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  4. Fantastic name of your recipe! xoxo Jen

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    1. Thanks Jen, I'm a pretty simple girl all the way around! :)

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  5. Mmmm... this looks so easy and good! A really comforting meal for this cold winter. My go-to comfort dinner is a whole chicken in the crockpot with mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn.

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    1. That sounds delish, Carissa. I've always wondered about the whole chicken thing....how exactly do you do it? Do you add water or do you just put it in dry? Do you season the chicken in any way? I would love to know!

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  6. My dear friend, I appreciate your real life posts so much. Complicated, time consuming, expensive recipes are plentiful on the internet and they make for beautiful photos. The reality is, though, that most of us will never attempt them. Yours is the sort of meal we'll make regularly and enjoy. I'm sure some eyes rolled when I posted my Potato Mushroom Soup made with Bear Creek Soup Mix, but when someone chose to feature it I knew not everyone wants to spend hours in the kitchen when there are shortcuts. Love you, Kim. ~ Nancy

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    1. Nancy, your comments are always so heartfelt and sweet. I have not seen your soup recipe, but now I must pop over and check it out, as I love a good shortcut! I am sure it was featured by someone who was really going to make it, too! xo back to you! :)

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  7. Hi Kim, thanks for sharing this recipe for beef stew. Believe it or not I have never mad it before. I pinned the recipe and I would love to try it out! I hope all is well with you and have a nice week.
    Julie

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    1. I hope you enjoy it, Julie! It's so easy! I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day.

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  8. Sometimes the best foods are those good, old fashioned, boring, unoriginal recipes! This sounds delicious!

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    1. Thanks, Sonya! This is about as old fashioned, boring and unoriginal it gets...but it is good! :) Thanks for the comment!

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  9. This looks yummy! I keep forgetting to use my crock pot. I get on these crock pot kicks and then forget about it. I want to start using it again though. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on my Adirondack Style post!

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    1. I do that, too, Brittany! During the summer months it seems to disappear completely! It's been a long winter here, so it's getting quite a workout!

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  10. Oh I love it and sounds sooooooooo good. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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    1. Thanks Marty, it's been a go-to recipe during this snow winter!

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  11. Kim, the most delicious ingredient about your Super Simple Beef Stew is your honesty! I think you speak for many of us who depend on their tested and trusted recipes. Your stew sounds very tasty and hearty; perfect comfort food! Thanks for sharing!

    Poppy

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    1. Thanks Poppy. I take that as a high compliment! I have received a lot of feedback over the past year and my simple projects and recipes seem to be most popular, because they are doable and realistic. I never claim to be more than I am and I guess that resonates! :) Thanks for your lovely comment, as always!

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  12. Hi Kim! This looks satisfying and the perfect food for the cold winter months.. just give me a glass of Cabernet and a some warm bread and I'm set. I make beef stew beginning in the fall and continuing through the cold, grey months. There's something about it that really hits the spot when it's cold out. It's fun to read your recipe and I like the simplicity of it. It really is all about what works and you don't have to be a gourmet to create a wonderful family meal:):) xxleslie

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    1. Thanks Leslie! Maybe when the kids get older and I am not spending most of the dinner hours on carpool duty, I can indulge my creative cooking side! For now, simple is as good as it gets! :)

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