If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that practically cooks itself, then look no further than this Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Chickpeas. This hearty stew combines tender beef with protein-packed chickpeas and a medley of vegetables, making it the perfect meal for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a win-win for any home cook.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Chickpeas. First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work! Secondly, the combination of beef and chickpeas adds a unique twist to a classic dish, providing an extra layer of flavor and nutrition. Finally, it’s a great recipe for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Gather These Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed (or other cuts)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 15 ounces chickpeas, canned, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, coarsely chopped
- 4 bay leaves, fresh
- 30 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
- 1 cup water
Tools of the Trade
- Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show, allowing for hands-off cooking.
- Cutting Board and Knife: Essential for prepping your veggies and meat.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements for every ingredient.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring everything together before the slow cooking begins.
The Method for Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Chickpeas
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by seasoning the cubed beef stew meat with salt and pepper. In a bowl, toss the beef with flour until well-coated. This will help thicken the stew later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Then, add the flour-coated beef, cubed potatoes, chickpeas, roasted red peppers, bay leaves, diced tomatoes, and water. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will become.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and serve the stew hot. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a comforting meal.
Tailor It to Your Diet
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegetarian: Replace the beef with hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of water.
- Low-Carb: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets for a lower carb option.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
Method to the Madness
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Chickpeas lies in its simplicity. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty stew. The chickpeas add a lovely creaminess and protein boost, making this dish not only filling but also nutritious.
Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can easily add other vegetables like carrots or celery, or even throw in some herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor. The options are endless!
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This stew is perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Handy Q&A
Can I use different cuts of beef for this stew?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal, you can use chuck roast or brisket. Just ensure you cut it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What can I substitute for chickpeas?
If you’re not a fan of chickpeas, you can use white beans or lentils. Both will add a nice texture and protein to the stew.
Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can follow the same steps but set your Instant Pot to the stew function and cook for about 35 minutes. Make sure to do a natural release for the best results.
What can I serve with this stew?
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Chickpeas is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with crusty bread, rice, or even a simple salad for a complete meal.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have everything you need to make this Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Chickpeas, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the magic happen. Your family will thank you for this warm and hearty meal that brings everyone to the table. Enjoy the comforting aroma filling your home while you eagerly await one of the best stews you’ll ever make!
Share on Pinterest
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Chickpeas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by seasoning the cubed beef stew meat with salt and pepper. In a bowl, toss the beef with flour until well-coated. This will help thicken the stew later on.
- In a skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Then, add the flour-coated beef, cubed potatoes, chickpeas, roasted red peppers, bay leaves, diced tomatoes, and water. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will become.
- Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and serve the stew hot. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
