Slow Cooker Smoked Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Smoked Beef Stew

When I first started working on my Slow Cooker Smoked Beef Stew, I wanted to create something that felt comforting, yet a little different. I’ve always loved the rich, smoky flavor of beef, especially when it’s slow-cooked to perfection. The moment I tried combining smoked beef with sweet potatoes and spices, I knew I was onto something. The Slow Cooker Smoked Beef Stew was born, and it’s quickly become a favorite in my household, especially on chilly evenings. There’s something magical about letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while the kitchen fills with a savory, inviting aroma.

Ingredients That Make the Difference

One thing I love about this Slow Cooker Smoked Beef Stew is the balance between savory and sweet. The sweet potatoes bring a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the beef. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a layer of depth, while the cinnamon and allspice give the stew a surprising warmth that sets it apart from traditional beef stews. Each bite is filled with tender chunks of smoked beef and sweet potatoes, all wrapped in a broth that’s thick, flavorful, and perfect for dipping with cornbread.

A Hearty Meal for All Occasions

What I adore about the Slow Cooker Smoked Beef Stew is how versatile it is. Whether I’m hosting a cozy dinner with friends or just prepping a weekday meal, it always delivers. I’ve found that adding a bit of chili powder gives the stew a mild kick, but if I’m cooking for my kids, I keep the spices light. Pairing this stew with cornbread or crusty bread makes it even more satisfying. I usually make a big batch, so there’s always some left over for lunch the next day, and trust me—it tastes even better after sitting overnight!

Tips for Success

If you’re making the Slow Cooker Smoked Beef Stew for the first time, here’s a tip: make sure to shred the beef just before serving. This allows all the juices to mix into the stew, enhancing the flavor. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients. I’ve tried swapping the sweet potatoes for butternut squash, and it’s just as delicious. The best part is that this stew freezes wonderfully, so you can enjoy a bowl whenever the craving strikes.

Chef’s Notes- Slow Cooker Smoked Beef Stew

• Choose the Right Cut: For the best flavor and texture, use a cut of smoked beef that has some marbling, such as smoked chuck or short ribs. This will keep the stew moist and flavorful.
• Browning for Extra Depth: If time permits, quickly brown the smoked beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This will enhance the stew’s depth of flavor.
• Prepping Sweet Potatoes: Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Larger cubes can hold their shape better during long cooking times.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Consider adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or parsnips for additional flavor and texture. These will cook well in the slow cooker and blend with the sweet potatoes.
• Adjusting Liquid Levels: Depending on your slow cooker, the amount of liquid needed may vary. If you find the stew too thick, add extra broth toward the end of the cooking time to achieve your desired consistency.
• Make It Your Own: The spice blend can be adjusted to your liking. Add more chili powder or even cayenne for heat, or swap cinnamon for smoked paprika for an added smoky flavor.
• Skimming Fat: Once the stew is cooked, don’t forget to skim the fat from the surface for a cleaner, lighter flavor. This step is especially important if you’re using a fattier cut of beef.
• Let the Stew Rest: Allow the stew to sit in the slow cooker (on the “keep warm” setting) for about 15-20 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Serving Tip: Pair with homemade cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the smoky, rich broth. This adds a comforting element to the meal.
• Freezing for Meal Prep: This stew freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers for easy, reheatable meals during the week.

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Slow Cooker Smoked Beef Stew

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Main CourseCuisine: Southern RecipesDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

312

kcal

Total time

5

minutes

Dive into the rich, smoky flavors of this Slow Cooker Smoked Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes! This hearty dish combines tender smoked beef and sweet potatoes, creating a thick, flavorful stew perfect for any occasion. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an easy yet impressive meal. Serve it with cornbread for a complete, comforting dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

• smoked beef segments

• 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed

• 1 large red bell pepper diced

• 1 medium onion finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic minced

• fire-roasted diced tomatoes

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Smoked Beef Segments: Substitute with smoked turkey legs or smoked pork shoulder.

• Sweet Potatoes: Replace with butternut squash or regular potatoes.

• Red Bell Pepper: Use green bell pepper or poblano pepper.

• Beef Broth: Substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth.

• Brown Sugar: Use honey or maple syrup.

Directions

• Place the smoked beef segments, cubed sweet potatoes, diced red bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic into a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and beef broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
• Mix in the brown sugar, chili powder, salt, ground black pepper, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and bay leaves. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Once cooked, remove the smoked beef segments from the slow cooker. Shred the meat off the bones and discard the bones. Skim any excess fat from the top of the liquid in the slow cooker. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Serve the stew warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 312kcal
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 83mg
• Sodium: 902mg
• Potassium: 532mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 11g
• Protein: 26g
• Vitamin A: 120IU
• Vitamin C: 41mg
• Calcium: 56mg
• Iron: 4mg

FAQs- Chef’s Notes- Slow Cooker Smoked Beef Stew

Can I use fresh beef instead of smoked beef?

Yes, but the stew will have a different flavor profile. To replicate the smokiness, you can add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make this stew on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, simmer the stew on low heat in a large pot for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.

What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?

Butternut squash, regular potatoes, or even carrots can be great substitutes for sweet potatoes in this stew.

How can I adjust the heat level in this recipe?

Increase the chili powder or add crushed red pepper flakes to make it spicier. For a milder stew, reduce the chili powder or omit it altogether.