Crockpot Beef and Beer Stew

This is absolutely one of my favorite meals to make during the fall and winter months. Imagine coming home after a a chilly day in fall, or a cold and snowy day in winter. As soon as you walk in are welcomed and warmed by the delicious aroma of warm beef stew. This is a good feeling, my friends.

Crockpot Beef and Beer Stew

Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon Butter

2 pounds Beef Stew, cut into 1-2 inch cubes

1/3 cup All Purpose Flour

1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

4 Cloves Garlic, minced

1 medium Onion, diced

1 can of Beer, 12 oz

4 cups Beef Stock

1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

2-3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste

2 teaspoons Sugar

4 large Carrots, sliced (or 2 cups Baby Carrots)

4 Potatoes, cut into bite sized pieces

2 Celery Ribs, sliced

1 Bay Leaf

Parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Cheddar Cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Coat beef with flour mixture.
Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, searing each side until brown (approx. 2-3 minutes) then transfer to Crockpot. If any of the pieces seem too large then cut in half. Add onions and garlic to skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Transfer onion and garlic mixture to Crockpot.
Add a little beef broth to hot skillet and scrape the drippings into the Crockpot.
Add the can of beer, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, paprika, sugar, carrots, potatoes, celery, and bay leaf to Crockpot. Stir to combine. Cook on 8-10 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Optional: Serve in bowls topped with parsley and cheddar cheese. Serve with warm garlic bread. Pair with red wine or a stout beer.

Helpful Hints:
– Check the consistency of stew approx. 30 minutes before serving.

– If the consistency of the stew is too thick then stir in 1 cup of water. Repeat until desired consistency is reached.

– If the consistency of the stew is too watery then remove 1-2 cups of liquid and combine with flour until liquid thickens up. Return mixture to Crockpot and let simmer before serving.