Crock-Pot Barbecued Beef Stew
A hearty slow-cooked beef stew with smoky barbecue flavor, tender meat, and vegetables, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings. Rich, savory, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. beef stew meat ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced onions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom pieces ⓘ
- 1/3 c. barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cold water
- 3 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the beef stew meat in oil; drain off excess fat.
- Place the onion rings, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
- Put the browned meat on top of the vegetables and sprinkle with salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Add beef broth, undrained tomatoes, drained mushrooms, and barbecue sauce; stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low heat setting for 8 hours.
- Turn the cooker to high heat setting.
- In a small bowl, blend the cold water into the cornstarch until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the stew.
- Cover and cook until the stew is thickened and bubbly, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef stew meat in barbecue sauce for a few hours before browning. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh vegetables with frozen ones. Using a low-sodium beef broth can help control salt levels, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the overall taste. This dish also works well with other cuts of beef, so feel free to experiment.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew over hot cooked rice for a fulfilling meal. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. It also pairs beautifully with Cincinnati Chili for a unique twist on American recipes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Barbecued Beef Stew contains roughly 1396 calories, with 5g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 619mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can substitute beef stew meat with chuck roast or brisket, which will also yield a tender and flavorful dish. Just ensure to cut the meat into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken thighs can work, but adjust the cooking time as poultry cooks faster.
How can I thicken the stew if it doesn't reach the desired consistency?
If your stew isn't thickening as expected, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables or add a small amount of instant potato flakes for a quick thickening solution.
Is it possible to make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it up to the cooking point, then cool it quickly and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop or in the slow cooker until heated through. Just be sure to stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).