There’s something truly magical about a cozy, hearty stew simmering away, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas—especially when it’s as fuss-free and flavor-packed as this BBQ Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Imagine tender chunks of beef, sweet peppers, savory onions, and earthy mushrooms, all bathed in a rich tomato and barbecue sauce broth. And the best part? The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making this recipe an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights when time is short, but your cravings for comfort are running high.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Stress Cooking: With just a bit of chopping and a quick sauté, this recipe is basically a ‘dump-and-go’ classic. Perfect for days when you need a delicious dinner but have a million other things on your plate.
- Bold, Cozy Flavors: The sweet, smoky notes from the barbecue sauce, the depth from beef stock and tomatoes, and the earthiness of mushrooms blend into a stew that’s both familiar and exciting.
- Family Friendly: This is the stew everyone in the family will look forward to, from picky eaters to the most adventurous palates.
- Versatile and Forgiving: Not only is it easy, but it’s also flexible! Swap veggies, use your favorite barbecue sauce, or make it spicier if you like—this recipe is as adaptable as it gets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes in, and why each component matters:
- Beef Stew Meat: Go for cuts like chuck or round. The slow cooker works its magic, turning even tougher cuts into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies; it adds a hint of richness and helps kickstart those flavors.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth—the kind of foundation every good stew needs.
- Green Pepper: Offers a mild earthiness and a faint crisp bite, balancing out the richness.
- Garlic: Because garlic makes almost everything better, infusing the stew with a bold, aromatic twist.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for accentuating all the flavors.
- Beef Stock: The real backbone of this stew, adding complexity and savory richness.
- Canned Tomatoes: Tangy and juicy, they help round out the sauce and add body.
- Mushrooms: Slice them up for a burst of meaty texture and extra savoriness.
- Barbecue Sauce: Go with your favorite—smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy. This is where the stew gets its signature kick. If you haven’t tried a smoky or chipotle BBQ sauce here, treat yourself!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Feeling adventurous or need to adapt to what’s in your fridge? Here are some ideas:
- Swap the Meat: Use boneless short ribs or even chicken thighs if you want a lighter or different protein.
- More Veggies: Toss in carrots, potatoes, or celery for extra bulk and flavor. Sweet potatoes are also amazing here!
- Heat It Up: Add a dash of spicy barbecue sauce, sliced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne for some warmth.
- Different BBQ Sauces: Experiment with smoky, mustard-based, or honey BBQ sauces for a new flavor profile every time.
- Go Vegetarian: Use meatless beef-style chunks or jackfruit and swap in veggie stock for a hearty, plant-based stew.
How to Make BBQ Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This stew couldn’t be simpler! Here’s how to make it, step by step:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start with a large pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then the onions, green peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the veggies soften and the onions turn translucent. This step builds up that beautiful base of flavor you just can’t skip.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer your sautéed veggies into your slow cooker. Add in the beef stew meat, salt, pepper, beef stock, canned tomatoes, mushrooms, and barbecue sauce. Stir everything together so the flavors can mingle.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Put the lid on and cook on low for about 8 hours. Don’t rush this! Slow cooking is where the beef becomes fork-tender and the sauce turns rich and layered.
Step 4: Thicken (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix together a slurry of cold water and cornstarch, then stir it into the bubbling stew about 30 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Give everything a gentle stir, do a quick taste for seasoning, and you’re ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Sear the Beef (Optional but Worth It): If you have a few extra minutes, brown the beef cubes before adding them. It adds another layer of savory flavor.
- Be Mindful of BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce you love—since it’s the dominant flavor, it makes a world of difference.
- Stir Occasionally: If you’re around, give it a stir every few hours to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Add Veggies at the Right Time: Sturdier veggies (carrots, potatoes) can go in at the start, but delicate ones (like peas or spinach) should be added in the last half hour.
How to Serve
This BBQ beef stew is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving:
- Classic Style: Ladle over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for peak comfort.
- With Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that unbeatable sauce—try a nice sourdough or a slice of toasted baguette.
- On Rice or Quinoa: Makes a complete, hearty meal that’s both filling and satisfying.
- Topped with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and brightness.
Garnish tip: Finishing with a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt really brings out the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate your stew in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen and improve as they mingle in the fridge!
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, or microwave individual portions for a few minutes until piping hot. If the stew has thickened up too much, simply stir in a splash of beef stock or water.
FAQs
Can I make this BBQ beef stew without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can use a Dutch oven or heavy pot on the stovetop. Sauté the aromatics, brown the beef, add other ingredients, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for about 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
What’s the best cut of beef for this stew?
Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender with long cooking. Stew meat from the supermarket also works. Look for cuts with some marbling for best flavor and texture.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Definitely! Just peel and chop about two large fresh tomatoes, and add them in place of the canned. If they’re not super juicy, you may need to add a splash more beef stock.
How can I make this stew gluten-free?
Most barbecue sauces are gluten-free, but it’s important to check the label to be sure. Use cornstarch to thicken instead of flour, and you’re all set!
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Slow Cooker Beef Stew is one of those dinners that makes life easier and tastier at the same time. It’s perfect for days when you want to come home to a hot, hearty meal with almost zero effort required. The tenderness of the beef and the punchy barbecue flavor make every bite something to look forward to—so gather up those ingredients, let your slow cooker do the work, and savor the ultimate comfort dish tonight. Enjoy, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Print
BBQ Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This savory BBQ Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal, featuring tender beef stew meat, aromatic vegetables, and a rich barbecue-infused tomato broth. With minimal prep and all-day slow cooking, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy days or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
Produce
- 1 cup onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed or chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 14 ounce can tomatoes
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
Pantry & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Optional Thickener
- 1/4 cup water (optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons corn starch (optional)
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, chopped green pepper, and pressed or chopped garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the beef stew meat, sliced mushrooms, canned tomatoes (with their juice), beef stock, barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for about 8 hours. The beef will become tender and the flavors will meld beautifully.
- Thicken Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1/4 cup of water with 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew about 15-20 minutes before serving, and let it cook until thickened.
Notes
- This recipe is 7 Weight Watchers Freestyle Smartpoints per serving.
- For extra flavor, you can brown the beef before adding to the slow cooker.
- You can substitute your favorite barbecue sauce for a personalized taste.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots or potatoes if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
