Dec 12 2008
Super Easy Crock Pot Stew Recipe
With the cold months upon us, we are always on the look out for a variety of recipes we can make in the crock pot (or slow cooker as some call it). Several years ago, I came across a fool proof method to making a good crock pot stew. There are plenty of recipes, but this one is just super easy and allows you to change it up. So here we go:
Start by choosing your vegetable(s) of choice:
Traditionally people use:
- 1 c. celery chopped up
- 1 c. carrots chopped up
- 1 c. potatoes, chopped up
- 1/4 c. onion chopped up
- 1/4-1/2 c. green pepper chopped up
You might also put vegetables in your stew by using:
Frozen Vegetables - These work great in a crock pot and can be even added frozen, no thawing.
Canned Vegetables - Again, these work great but I will also let you know that they tend to be a bit soft - although I like that in my stews.
Fresh Vegetables - You will want to cut them into about 1″ pieces.
Next it’s time to choose your meat:
The cheapest way to make a delicious beef stew is to use the more inexpensive, tougher cuts of meat because the slow cooking will help tenderize the meat. Be sure to cut the meat into 1 1/2″ pieces (they will shrink a bit while cooking).
Options include:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Ham
- Lamb
Next choose your flavor:
I don’t always do this step, but it does make for some great combination’s. Choose a soup that will go well with your stew. A beef based one is good when cooking with beef. A chicken based one is good when cooking with chicken. You can use “cream of” soups, cheese soups or even onion flavored soup.
Then it’s time to decide if you want any extra flavors:
- Worcestershire Sauce - 1 Tbs - 2 Tbs (depending on how much stew you are making)
- Sliced Mushrooms - 1 can
- Soy Sauce - 1-2 Tbs.
- Tomato Sauce - 1/2 can
- Diced Tomatoes - 1/2 - full can
- Crushed garlic and/or ginger - teaspoon or two.
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Seasoning - 1 tsp. of each (if only using one type - 2 tsp)
- Herbs - 2 tsp. (I recommend adding these in the last hour or so of cooking)
In your crock pot - add the veggies first and then put the meat on top. Pour in the soup over everything and add any of your extras. Do not add water, because the liquid from everything else should be sufficient. Turn on your slow cooker (crock pot) and cook for 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high.
Remember that the guide above is just suggestions. You can add whatever you want, to make whatever kind of stew you want.
