If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Hearty Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Beef Stew Recipe. Imagine tender beef simmered to perfection alongside sweet, vibrant potatoes and a medley of vegetables, all infused with comforting herbs and spices. This stew isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience of deep, rich flavors that meld beautifully during those slow hours in your Crock-Pot, creating a meal that’s both nourishing and soul-satisfying. Whether you’re coming home on a chilly day or want an easy dinner that fills the house with incredible aromas, this stew has got your back.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a starring role in this stew. From the naturally sweet and creamy sweet potatoes to the robust beef chuck roast and fragrant garlic, every element contributes to the rich taste, delightful texture, and vibrant color that make this dish a crowd pleaser.
- Cooking spray: A quick way to keep your slow cooker clean and prevent sticking.
- 1 pound beef chuck roast: The perfect cut for slow cooking – it becomes tender and juicy over hours of simmering.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Helps to gently thicken the stew as it cooks.
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt: Delivers balanced seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.
- 3 cups chopped sweet potatoes: Sweet, earthy, and creamy, these create a comforting base.
- 1/4 cup chopped celery: Provides a subtle crunch and fresh earthiness.
- 1 small yellow onion (finely diced): For a gentle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- 1 (8-ounce) bag baby carrots: Naturally sweet and tender, perfect for stews.
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn: Adds pops of sweetness and texture.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Brings tang and richness to balance the flavors.
- 1 bay leaf: Subtle, earthy depth that elevates the stew’s aroma.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Adds a punch of savory goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: For a warm, smoky hint.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and rounds out the flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, herbaceous finish.
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon powder: Intensifies the beefy richness.
- 1 cup water: The cooking liquid that ties everything together.
How to Make Hearty Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crock-Pot
Before you dive into the delicious layers of flavor, lightly coat your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent anything from sticking. This small step makes cleanup much easier and helps keep your stew perfectly textured.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
In a large bowl, toss the beef chuck roast pieces with flour, seasoned salt, and pepper until every chunk is lightly coated. This simple coating is key because it helps thicken the stew later, creating that luxurious, clingy sauce everyone loves.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place your beef at the bottom of the Crock-Pot—this ensures it gets the most heat and becomes meltingly tender. Then add the sweet potatoes, celery, yellow onion, baby carrots, corn, diced tomatoes, and garlic on top. Follow with the bay leaf, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, beef bouillon powder, and water. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, making sure the beef is nicely submerged under the vegetables and liquid.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7 to 9 hours, or if you’re short on time, use the high setting for 5 to 7 hours. The low, slow simmer is the secret to tender beef and perfectly softened sweet potatoes that meld their flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf – an often-hidden powerhouse of flavor. Stir the stew gently, giving some of the sweet potatoes a light mash with your spoon to naturally thicken the stew, creating a velvety texture that clings to every spoonful.
How to Serve Hearty Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your stew with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a bright, herby contrast to the rich flavors and gives your bowl a vibrant pop of green. If you want a little extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can wake up all the layers, or even a dash of hot sauce for those who like a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
This stew is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crusty artisan bread or warm dinner rolls lets you soak up every last flavorful drop. For a lighter balance, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the stew’s richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, ladle the stew into deep bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add creaminess and contrast. You can also serve it over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to turn it into a full-on comfort feast that everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hearty Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Beef Stew Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully! Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for an easy meal any time.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through for even warmth. If it looks a bit thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef instead of chuck roast?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because of its marbling and tenderness, you can also use beef brisket or stew meat. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts might not be as tender or flavorful after long cooking.
Are sweet potatoes necessary or can I substitute other potatoes?
Sweet potatoes bring a unique sweetness and creaminess to this stew, but you can swap in Yukon gold or red potatoes if you prefer a more traditional earthy flavor. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
You can! Use the sauté function to brown the beef and then pressure cook on high for about 35-40 minutes. Make sure to add all the ingredients at once and adjust liquid amounts slightly if needed.
Is this stew spicy?
No, this Hearty Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Beef Stew Recipe is mild and savory with warm spices like paprika, but if you like, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, swap beef with hearty veggies like mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon. The stew will be just as flavorful but lighter and meat-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about coming home to a bubbling pot of Hearty Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Beef Stew Recipe that’s been slowly simmering all day. It’s easy to prepare, packed with nourishing ingredients, and infinitely comforting. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes and beef together, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that feels like a celebration of home-cooked goodness.
Print
Hearty Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Beef Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Sweet Potato Stew combines tender beef chuck roast with sweet potatoes, vegetables, and a savory blend of spices, slow-cooked to perfection. Rich and comforting, this stew is perfect for a cozy meal and delivers a nutritious balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 pound beef chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups chopped sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 (8-ounce) bag baby carrots
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon powder
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare CrockPot: Lightly coat the Crock-Pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef chuck roast with flour, seasoned salt, and pepper until it is evenly coated. This helps to thicken the stew as it cooks.
- Add Ingredients: Place the coated beef in the slow cooker. Add the chopped sweet potatoes, celery, diced onion, baby carrots, frozen corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), bay leaf, minced garlic, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, chopped fresh parsley, beef bouillon powder, and water. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the beef is submerged under the vegetables for even cooking.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours, or on high for 5 to 7 hours. The best results come from cooking on low heat, as this allows the flavors to develop deeply and the beef and sweet potatoes to become very tender.
- Finish: Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir the stew and gently mash some of the sweet potatoes within the pot to thicken the stew’s consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker stew, mash more of the sweet potatoes or add a little more flour during step 2 when coating the beef.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley if fresh is unavailable; use about 1 tablespoon dried.
- Using low heat cooking is preferred for deeper flavor and tender texture.
- This stew tastes even better the next day when reheated, as the flavors continue to meld.
