Slow-Cooker Beef Stew Tips
Can you put raw beef in the slow cooker?
It is perfectly safe to add raw beef to a
slow cooker. However, if the beef is frozen, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight to ensure
safe cooking temperatures.
Do you have to brown beef before slow-cooking?
While beef can certainly be added directly to a slow cooker, stew meat that has been browned first gets added flavor from the caramelization. Searing the meat also helps to lock in the juices to keep it from drying out. Beef that has been dredged in flour before browning aids in thickening the stew as well. We recommend browning the beef in several of our
most popular beef stew recipes for your slow cooker.
Does beef stew get more tender the longer it cooks?
Yes. Meat used in beef stew and other
braises needs a long and slow cooking time. This ensures delicious, fork-tender results. Acid—from canned tomatoes, wine or a little vinegar—can also help break down the meat fibers when you’re braising.
Can you overcook stew in a slow cooker?
A
slow-cooked stew is pretty forgiving, but cooking beyond the point of tenderness can dry out the meat as well as the cooking juices and sauce. If serving is delayed, switch your slow cooker to warm until you're ready to eat.
What do you serve with beef stew?
Nothing beats hot homemade bread with a bowl of stew, and you don’t have to be an expert baker to make a loaf. Try one of these
easy bread recipes for beginners to get started. Mashed potatoes and polenta are also delicious
side dishes for stew.
—Catherine Ward, Taste of Home Prep Kitchen Manager and
Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Book Editor
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 272 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.