Healthy Crockpot Beef Stew 

This hearty and wholesome beef stew is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender beef with a medley of vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for busy days, this one pot meal is made effortlessly in a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal preparation. The stew's flavors deepen over time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep and leftovers.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1½-inch cubes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup red wine (or beef broth for alcohol-free version)

• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced

• 3 medium carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and flour, tossing to coat evenly.

2. Sear the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.

3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

5. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the onion and wine mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped celery, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.

6. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

7. Add Peas: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas.

8. Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 418 kcal

• Protein: 32 g

• Fat: 18 g

  • Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Carbohydrates: 16 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 2 g

  • Sugars: 4 g

• Cholesterol: 64 mg

• Sodium: 368 mg

• Potassium: 305 mg