Description
This BBQ Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a comforting and flavorful meal featuring tender chunks of beef infused with smoky barbecue sauce, slow-cooked to perfection with hearty vegetables. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this easy-to-make stew combines simple ingredients into a robust dish bursting with rich taste and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized chunks
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the beef chuck roast into bite-sized chunks. Chop the onion, carrots, and potatoes, and mince the garlic. This prep work ensures smooth assembly in the slow cooker.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef chunks on all sides. Browning locks in flavor and enhances the stew with caramelized bits.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the browned beef, chopped vegetables, garlic, and onion to the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, BBQ sauce, then add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. Slow cooking tenderizes the meat and melds all flavors harmoniously.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. To thicken the stew, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, stir it in, and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.
Notes
- Brown the meat first: This step significantly enhances the flavor.
- Don’t skip seasoning: Add salt and pepper throughout to build balanced flavors.
- Use fresh vegetables: Frozen veggies can become mushy during slow cooking.
- Layer flavors: Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce add richness and depth.
- Check liquid levels: Ensure there is enough broth to keep the stew moist but not soupy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: BBQ beef stew, slow cooker beef stew, barbecue stew, comfort food, slow cooker recipe, hearty stew