BBQ Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
Introduction
This BBQ Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for cozy evenings. Tender beef simmers with vegetables and a tangy barbecue sauce, resulting in a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion, sliced
- ½ cup green pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed or chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups beef stock
- 14 ounce can tomatoes
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion, green pepper, and garlic for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the beef stew meat, salt, pepper, beef stock, canned tomatoes, mushrooms, and barbecue sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Step 4: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix ¼ cup water with 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, brown the beef stew meat in the pan before sautéing the vegetables.
- Swap barbecue sauce with a smoky chipotle sauce for a spicier twist.
- Add root vegetables like carrots or potatoes to make the stew heartier.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, reduce cooking time to avoid overcooking the meat.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew has thickened too much. This stew also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this stew?
Yes, you can use chuck roast or brisket cut into cubes. These cuts work well for slow cooking and become tender over time.
Do I need to brown the meat before slow cooking?
Browning the meat enhances the stew’s flavor but is optional. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, though the stew may have a slightly less rich taste.
PrintBBQ Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
A hearty and flavorful BBQ Slow Cooker Beef Stew made with tender beef stew meat, sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, and a rich barbecue sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this comforting stew combines savory ingredients with a hint of smoky sweetness, ideal for a satisfying meal any day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Proteins
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
Vegetables
- 1 cup onion, sliced
- ½ cup green pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed or chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups beef stock
- 14 ounce can tomatoes
- ⅓ cup barbecue sauce
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion, chopped green pepper, and pressed or chopped garlic cloves. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Combine in slow cooker: Transfer sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add beef stew meat, beef stock, canned tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and flavors to meld beautifully.
- Optional thickening: If a thicker stew is preferred, mix ¼ cup of water with 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Notes
- Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavor.
- Use lean beef stew meat for a healthier option.
- The barbecue sauce adds a sweet and smoky depth to the stew; choose your favorite brand or homemade version.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional and helps thicken the stew without altering the flavor.
- This recipe can be prepared in advance by assembling all ingredients the night before and slow cooking the next day.
Keywords: BBQ beef stew, slow cooker beef stew, slow cooked beef, barbecue stew, comforting beef stew, easy slow cooker recipes
