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A cozy, no-fuss beef stew made in a small crock pot that’s perfect for a romantic dinner for two, giving you all the comfort and flavor without the extraneous leftovers.
Ready to jazz up your cozy night in with a beef stew that’ll knock your socks off and warm your toes? Welcome to the ultimate small crock pot beef stew recipe for two—simple ingredients, all the right details, and a flavor explosion that’ll have you licking the bowl. Stick around; it’s going to be a deliciously wild ride!
Small Crock Pot Beef Stew for Two
This beef stew is a cozy hug in a bowl. Perfect for a comfortable dinner for two, it’s loaded with tender beef, hearty veggies, and rich flavors. Simmered slowly in a crock pot, the stew develops an irresistible depth of flavor. If you’re up for a romantic dinner or just a night in, pair this stew with your favorite rustic bread for ultimate satisfaction. Trust me, this dish is a game-changer!
- Cuisine Type: Comfort Food
- Cooking Method: Crock Pot
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 cup baby carrots, halved
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (or additional beef broth)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, about 5 minutes. (Cue: aroma heaven!)
- In your small crock pot, layer the diced potatoes, baby carrots, and chopped onions.
- Add the browned beef cubes over the vegetables.
- In a bowl, mix together beef broth, red wine (or extra beef broth), tomato paste, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour this liquid mixture over the beef and veggies in the crock pot.
- Toss in the bay leaf, ensuring it’s submerged in the mixture.
- Set the crock pot to low, put on the lid, and cook for 6 hours. No peeking – seriously, hands off!
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Suggestions
- Alternative Ingredients: Swap potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist. Substitute red wine with balsamic vinegar for a different zing.
- Garnishing Options: Freshly chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream on top.
- Cooking Tips: For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes once cooked. Want an extra kick? Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
