Slow Cooker Beef Taco Stew
Indulge in the hearty flavors of our Slow Cooker Beef Taco Stew, a delightful fusion of traditional beef stew and zesty taco spices. This recipe combines tender beef simmered to perfection with robust diced tomatoes, savory green chilies, and rich tomato sauce, creating a deliciously comforting dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s as easy as tossing everything into the slow cooker and letting it do the work while you go about your day. Serve it in warm flour tortillas, topped with shredded cheese and your favorite salsa for an irresistible meal. With endless topping options like sour cream, green onions, and olives, this stew is sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef stew meat
2 - 2 1/2 lbs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
taco seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (for coating the beef)
diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (undrained)
chopped green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can
beef bouillon cube
1 (crushed)
canned red kidney beans
30 ounces (drained and rinsed)
shredded cheddar cheese
to taste (optional for topping)
Instructions
1
Start by rolling the beef stew meat in taco seasoning until evenly coated. You can place the beef in a plastic bag with the seasoning, seal it, and shake it to achieve even coverage.
2
Transfer the seasoned beef into the crock pot, ensuring it lies in a single layer for even cooking.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef bouillon cube. Mix well and pour this mixture over the beef in the crock pot.
4
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to tenderize.
5
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans (or your preferred beans).
6
Replace the lid and let the stew heat through for the remaining time.
7
When ready to serve, scoop the beef taco stew into tortillas and top with shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, and any additional toppings you desire.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Beef Taco Stew?
It is a hearty fusion of traditional beef stew and zesty taco spices, featuring tender beef, tomatoes, and green chilies.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What cut of beef should I use?
You should use 2 to 2.5 pounds of beef stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces.
How do I prepare the beef for the slow cooker?
Roll the beef stew meat in taco seasoning until it is evenly coated before placing it in the slow cooker.
What is the easiest way to coat the beef in seasoning?
Place the beef and taco seasoning in a plastic bag, seal it, and shake it to achieve even coverage.
What amount of taco seasoning is needed?
Use one 1.25-ounce package of taco seasoning.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes should be used undrained.
Should I drain the chopped green chilies?
Yes, the 4-ounce can of chopped green chilies should be drained.
What size can of tomato sauce is required?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How do I incorporate the beef bouillon cube?
The beef bouillon cube should be crushed and mixed with the tomatoes, chilies, and sauce before pouring over the beef.
What kind of beans are used in this stew?
The recipe uses 30 ounces of canned red kidney beans.
How should the kidney beans be prepared?
The kidney beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the stew.
When do I add the beans to the slow cooker?
Stir in the beans about 15 minutes before you are ready to serve the stew.
How long does the stew cook in the slow cooker?
The stew should cook on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours.
What slow cooker setting should I use?
The recipe is designed to be cooked on the low setting.
Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, you can use your preferred type of beans as a substitute for kidney beans.
How do I arrange the beef in the crock pot?
Ensure the seasoned beef lies in a single layer for even cooking.
What do I mix with the diced tomatoes?
Mix the tomatoes with chopped green chilies, tomato sauce, and a crushed beef bouillon cube.
What is the best way to serve the taco stew?
Scoop the stew into warm flour tortillas and top with cheese and salsa.
What type of cheese is recommended for topping?
Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended to taste.
What are some optional toppings for this dish?
Optional toppings include sour cream, green onions, and olives.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is very easy because you simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work all day.
How does the beef become tender?
The beef tenderizes as it simmers slowly with the tomato-based mixture for several hours.
Can I add salsa to the stew?
Salsa is recommended as a topping when serving the stew in tortillas.
What is the texture of the finished beef?
The beef should be tender and simmered to perfection after 6-7 hours.
Do I need to stir the stew while it cooks?
You only need to stir the stew 15 minutes before serving when adding the beans.
How much beef stew meat do I need?
You will need between 2 and 2.5 lbs of beef stew meat.
Does this recipe require browning the meat?
No, the instructions indicate placing the seasoned raw beef directly into the crock pot.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a hit at the dinner table and perfect for families.
What size can of green chilies is used?
The recipe uses a 4-ounce can of chopped green chilies.