This Cozy Crock Pot Million Dollar dish is a warm hug in a bowl! With creamy cheese, savory seasonings, and just the right spice, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.
You might find yourself going back for seconds (and thirds)! I love how easy it is—just toss everything in the pot and let it work its magic. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This is the star of the dish and gives it heartiness. I prefer chuck roast as it becomes tender after long cooking. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use chicken breast instead.
Beef Broth: It enhances the flavor. If you want a richer taste, use homemade broth or low-sodium for a lighter option. Vegetable broth also works well if you’re going for a vegetarian twist.
Cheddar Cheese: It adds a creamy texture and flavor at the end. If you’re not a cheddar fan, mozzarella or a combination of Gruyère and Fontina can be tasty alternatives.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional for some heat. If you want something milder, just leave it out or substitute with a pinch of paprika.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Is Tender?
The key to tender beef in crock pot cooking is time and temperature. It’s important to follow the cooking times closely and choose low heat for a longer duration if possible.
- Brown the beef first for extra flavor; this step adds depth to your dish.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours for the best results. If using high, stick to 4-5 hours, but check for tenderness.
Cozy Crock Pot Million Dollar
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound beef stew potatoes, diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into chunks
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for mild heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then you’ll need to let it cook for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. It’s perfect for starting in the morning and coming home to a warm, hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
First, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step adds flavor! Once browned, transfer the meat to your crock pot.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Add these to the crock pot with the beef.
3. Adding the Veggies:
Now it’s time to add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots right into the crock pot. These will cook beautifully alongside the beef!
4. Mixing Everything Together:
Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce over your ingredients. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling a bit spicy. Give it a good mix to combine everything.
5. Cooking Away:
Now, cover the crock pot and let it cook! Choose either low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender and the vegetables nicely cooked when it’s ready.
6. Adding the Cheddar:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. This will melt beautifully and add that creamy element you’re looking for.
7. Garnishing & Serving:
If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor before serving. Finally, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs to make it look as good as it tastes!
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve warm and relish in the cozy comfort of this rich, cheesy, and hearty Crock Pot Million Dollar stew!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is recommended for its tenderness, you can substitute with pork or chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken cooks faster than beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure to use gluten-free beef broth and check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or even water, but for added flavor, consider adding a few extra seasonings or a splash of soy sauce (make sure it’s gluten-free if needed).
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in a bowl, or warm gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth to maintain moisture if it seems dry.
