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Slow Cooker Beef and Cabbage Stew

Slow Cooker Beef and Cabbage Stew


  • Author: Jonathan
  • Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Slow Cooker Beef and Cabbage Stew is a warm, hearty dish featuring tender beef chuck roast, fresh cabbage, smoked turkey bacon, and an array of wholesome vegetables. Slow cooked to perfection, it offers rich, savory flavors and a comforting meal that requires minimal effort. Ideal for cozy evenings or meal prep, this stew is flexible and nutrient-packed, making it a beloved choice for any table.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 ounces smoked turkey bacon, sliced into small pieces

Vegetables

  • 4 cups fresh cabbage, chopped into thick strips
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Sauces

  • 4 cups beef broth (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Herbs and Spices

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the beef into bite-sized chunks and season with salt and black pepper. Chop cabbage into thick strips, dice carrots and celery, mince garlic, and slice smoked turkey bacon into small pieces to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor release.
  2. Brown the Beef and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a skillet and lightly brown the beef pieces to seal in juices and develop a caramelized crust. Cook smoked turkey bacon until slightly crispy to enhance its smoky aroma, adding depth and richness to the stew.
  3. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker: Place browned beef and smoked turkey bacon at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add all chopped vegetables, minced garlic, bay leaves, dried thyme, then pour in beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to blend flavors evenly.
  4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for about 4 hours. The low and slow method makes beef tender and allows cabbage to absorb savory juices without becoming mushy.
  5. Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove bay leaves from the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of plant-based cheese for an extra cozy touch.

Notes

  • Choose chuck roast or similar cuts for tenderness and rich flavor.
  • Don’t skip browning meat to add beautiful depth to the stew.
  • Layer ingredients properly to avoid overcooking or watery texture.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley at the end to brighten the dish.
  • Use a natural gelling agent mixed with water to thicken the stew if too thin.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 to 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: beef stew, cabbage stew, slow cooker, comfort food, hearty stew, gluten free, easy dinner, meal prep