Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of tender beef simmering in a rich, barbecue-infused sauce. Our Slow Cooker Barbecue Beer Beef Stew is not just a meal; it's an experience that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a leisurely 8 hours of cooking, this hearty dish practically makes itself! Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this stew is sure to be a hit. Ready to discover the secret to this mouthwatering comfort food? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 can (12 oz) beer
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck and cut into 1-inch cubes, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, coating each piece thoroughly.
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping: slice carrots into 1/2-inch rounds, dice potatoes into 1-inch cubes, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Place the seasoned beef cubes into the slow cooker as the base layer.
- Layer the chopped vegetables over the beef, distributing them evenly.
- Pour the entire can of beer over the meat and vegetables, ensuring good coverage.
- Add the barbecue sauce, stirring gently to combine and coat the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat for 8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and flavors to meld.
- After cooking, check the meat's tenderness. It should easily pull apart with a fork.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot in bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of meat, vegetables, and sauce.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For the best flavor and tenderness, use beef chuck. Its marbling breaks down beautifully during slow cooking, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper when seasoning the beef. A well-seasoned base will elevate the entire dish.
- Layering is Key: When placing ingredients in the slow cooker, layer the beef first, followed by the vegetables. This ensures that the beef absorbs all the delicious flavors from the sauce and beer.
- Use Quality Beer: The type of beer you choose can influence the flavor of your stew. Opt for a flavorful lager or stout that you enjoy drinking.
- Check for Tenderness: After 8 hours, the beef should be fork-tender. If it’s not quite there, give it a little more time in the slow cooker.
- Adjust Seasoning Before Serving: Always taste before serving! You may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Serve with Bread: This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or rolls, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
