Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Indulge in the warmth of this Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Beef Stew, a delightful dish inspired by the rich flavors of Spain. With tender chunks of beef simmered to perfection, this stew is enhanced by a blend of aromatic spices, including the smoky essence of smoked paprika and the distinctly nutty flavor of dry sherry. Accompanied by hearty vegetables like carrots, turnips, and potatoes, this stew is not only filling but also brims with vibrant colors and deliciousness. Perfect for chilly evenings, serve it with a slice of crusty bread and a fresh salad for a wholesome meal that feels like a cozy hug. While it's not an authentic Spanish dish, it certainly captures the spirit with every comforting bite.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stewing beef
2 lbs (trimmed of all fat and cut into 1-inch cubes)
Large onion
1 (quartered)
Garlic cloves
3 (cut lengthwise)
Large carrots
2 (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Diced turnips or rutabagas
2 cups (diced)
Medium white potatoes
2 (diced)
Tomato paste
3 oz (uncooked)
Dry sherry
1/4 cup (uncooked)
Beef stock
1 1/4 cups (uncooked)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (for frying)
Flour
1 cup (for dredging (discard extra))
Smoked paprika
3/4 teaspoon (uncooked)
Thyme
1/8 teaspoon (uncooked)
Parsley sprigs
3-4 (uncooked)
Kosher salt
to taste (uncooked)
Pepper
to taste (uncooked)
Instructions
1
Prepare all vegetables by quartering the onions, slicing the garlic cloves, and cutting the carrots, potatoes, and turnips into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
2
Trim any visible fat from the stewing beef and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
3
Dredge the seasoned beef in flour using a plastic bag for minimal mess, shaking off any excess flour.
4
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in batches, browning it evenly on all sides. Be cautious not to cook it through; the goal is just to achieve a nice sear.
5
Remove the browned beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
6
De-glaze the skillet by adding the dry sherry, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the sherry to reduce by half before adding the beef stock. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
7
Turn off the heat and incorporate the tomato paste, whisking until smooth. Stir in the smoked paprika to fully blend the flavors.
8
In the crockpot, add the browned beef along with the onions, garlic, carrots, turnips, and potatoes. Pour the tomato broth mixture over the top.
9
Add the thyme and parsley sprigs to the crockpot, stirring gently to mix everything together.
10
Set the crockpot to low and let it cook for 8 to 9 hours, or until the beef is exceptionally tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
11
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spanish-Style Slow Cooker Beef Stew?
It is a hearty beef dish inspired by Spanish flavors, featuring smoked paprika, dry sherry, and various root vegetables.
Is this an authentic Spanish dish?
No, it is not an authentic Spanish recipe, but it captures the spirit of Spanish cuisine with its specific blend of spices and ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How long should I cook the stew?
The stew should be cooked on the low setting of a slow cooker for 8 to 9 hours.
What kind of beef is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of stewing beef, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch cubes.
Why do I need to brown the beef?
Browning the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker adds depth of flavor and improves the texture of the meat.
Can I skip the flour dredging?
Dredging the beef in flour helps to thicken the sauce as the stew cooks, so it is recommended for a better consistency.
What is the purpose of the dry sherry?
Dry sherry provides a nutty flavor that is characteristic of many Spanish-inspired dishes.
Can I substitute the sherry?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the sherry with additional beef stock or a splash of red wine vinegar.
What vegetables are included?
The stew contains onions, garlic, carrots, turnips or rutabagas, and medium white potatoes.
How should I cut the vegetables?
Most vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and turnips should be cut into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
Can I use rutabagas instead of turnips?
Yes, the recipe allows for either diced turnips or rutabagas depending on your preference.
What role does smoked paprika play?
Smoked paprika provides a distinct smoky essence that defines the flavor profile of this Spanish-style dish.
Why do I need to de-glaze the skillet?
De-glazing with sherry helps lift the flavorful browned bits from the pan to incorporate them into the broth.
How much beef stock is required?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of beef stock for the liquid base.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses fresh thyme and parsley sprigs to enhance the aromatic profile of the stew.
Is the tomato paste cooked before adding?
The tomato paste is whisked into the warm broth mixture before being poured into the crockpot.
Can I use olive oil for browning?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of olive oil for frying the beef.
What is the best way to serve this stew?
It is best served with a slice of crusty bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Can I prepare this the night before?
You can prep the vegetables and meat ahead of time, but the browning and liquid preparation are best done just before starting the slow cooker.
Is the garlic sliced or minced?
The garlic cloves should be sliced lengthwise rather than minced.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends using medium white potatoes.
Can I add salt and pepper at the end?
Yes, the final step is to taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and pepper as needed.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Based on the provided ingredient list, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Is there any cholesterol information available?
The specific cholesterol count is not provided in the raw data, but it contains animal protein from the beef.
How much flour do I need?
You need 1 cup of flour for dredging, though you should discard the extra flour.
Can I use a high setting on the crockpot?
The recipe specifies the low setting for 8 to 9 hours to ensure the beef is exceptionally tender.
How much tomato paste is used?
The recipe calls for 3 ounces of tomato paste.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients used in this Spanish-style beef stew recipe.
Is this a hearty meal?
Yes, with 2 lbs of beef and various root vegetables, it is considered a very filling and hearty comfort food.