Crockpot Texas Stew

Crockpot Texas Stew Recipe - Hearty and Delicious Meal from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 4-5 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Crockpot Texas Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This stew is packed with tender beef tips, Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, picante sauce, and a variety of vegetables. The best part is that it can be easily made in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.

History

Texas stew is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations in the Lone Star State. This particular recipe puts a twist on the traditional stew by incorporating Mexican flavors like picante sauce and cumin. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender, resulting in a delicious and comforting meal.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) beef tips, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 (14.5 oz (411 g)) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, undrained (like rotel)
1 (10.5 oz (298 g)) can condensed beef broth, undiluted
1 (8 oz (227 g)) jar mild picante sauce
1 (10 oz (283 g)) package frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
3 carrots, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
2 garlic cloves, pressed
0.5 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 cup all-purpose flour

How to prepare

Combine the first 10 ingredients in a 5 qt (4.73 liter) slow cooker.
Cover and cook on high for 3 – 4 hours or until the meat is tender.
Stir together 0.5 cup of water and flour.
Stir the mixture into the stew, cover, and cook on high for 1 more hour until thickened.

Variations

For a leaner option, use stew meat or lean ground beef instead of beef tips.
Add a can of black beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.
Experiment with different types of picante sauce to change up the flavor profile of the stew.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, sear the beef tips in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this stew to suit your preferences. Bell peppers, potatoes, or green beans would all be great additions.

- If you prefer a spicier stew, use hot picante sauce or add a diced jalapeno pepper to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious stew with a side of warm cornbread or over a bed of fluffy white rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The slow cooking method used in this recipe allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. This results in a rich and flavorful stew that is perfect for a cold winter night.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have beef tips, you can use stew meat, chuck roast, or even ground beef in this recipe. Feel free to swap out the vegetables for your favorites or based on what you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish this stew with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this hearty stew with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A glass of red wine or a cold beer would also complement the flavors of this dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crockpot Texas Stew contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of Crockpot Texas Stew contains around 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

With 25 grams of protein per serving, this stew is a great source of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A from the carrots and vitamin C from the tomatoes and picante sauce.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the all-purpose flour) and may contain soy (from the beef broth). Please check labels for allergen information.

Summary

Overall, this stew is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Crockpot Texas Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and Mexican-inspired spices, this stew is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty textures of this dish with your loved ones today!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a chilly winter day and I was browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend Margaret. As I turned the pages, a picture of a steaming bowl of Crockpot Texas Stew caught my eye. The vibrant colors of the peppers and tomatoes, the hearty chunks of beef, and the warm spices spoke to my soul. I knew I had to give it a try.

I called Margaret right away to ask her about the recipe. She chuckled and told me that it was a family favorite passed down from her great-grandmother, who hailed from the Lone Star State. Margaret shared with me the secret ingredients and special techniques that made this stew so delicious. I could hardly contain my excitement as I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my kitchen.

I started by browning the beef in a hot skillet until it was golden and caramelized. The aroma of sizzling meat filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. Next, I sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they were soft and fragrant. I added a can of diced tomatoes, a splash of beef broth, and a generous amount of chili powder, cumin, and paprika. I seasoned the stew with salt and pepper, then transferred everything to my trusty crockpot.

As the stew simmered away, filling my home with its rich and savory scent, I couldn't help but think back to my own childhood. My grandmother, a formidable cook in her own right, had taught me the importance of patience and love in the kitchen. She would spend hours preparing meals for our large family, always with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. I inherited her love of cooking and her passion for trying new recipes, and I knew she would be proud of me for taking on this culinary challenge.

After several hours of slow cooking, the stew was ready. I lifted the lid of the crockpot and was greeted by a sight that made my heart sing. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, the vegetables were perfectly cooked, and the broth was rich and flavorful. I ladled a steaming bowl of Texas Stew into a ceramic bowl and topped it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. I took a bite and was transported to a place of comfort and warmth. The flavors danced on my tongue, the spices tickled my taste buds, and I knew I had created something truly special.

I couldn't wait to share this dish with my family and friends. I invited Margaret over for dinner that evening and served her a generous portion of the stew. She took a bite and closed her eyes in bliss, a smile spreading across her face. "You've done it, my dear," she said. "You've captured the essence of Texas in a bowl."

From that day on, Crockpot Texas Stew became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for Sunday dinners, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to my great-grandmother from Texas, to Margaret and her family traditions, and to my own grandmother who had instilled in me a love of cooking. This stew was more than just a recipe – it was a symbol of family, friendship, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this beloved recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. I may have learned how to make Crockpot Texas Stew from a cookbook, but the true recipe for success lies in the memories, stories, and connections that have enriched my life. And for that, I am truly thankful.