When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving something warm, bold, and comforting, nothing hits the spot quite like a big bowl of BBQ Slow Cooker Beef Stew. This recipe takes everything we love about traditional beef stew—tender meat, savory broth, hearty vegetables—and brings it to a whole new level with smoky barbecue flavor and a splash of rich beef stock.
It’s the kind of hands-off, slow-cooked dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing all day long… and guarantees empty bowls at dinnertime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Slow cooker convenience – just dump, cook, and enjoy
-
Bold BBQ flavor for a fun twist on classic beef stew
-
Perfect cold-weather comfort food
-
Tender beef that melts in your mouth
-
Easily thickened for a hearty, rustic texture
This stew is guaranteed to become one of your favorite set-and-forget meals.
Ingredients
-
2 pounds beef stew meat
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 cup onion, sliced
-
½ cup green pepper, chopped
-
2 garlic cloves, pressed or chopped
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
¼ teaspoon pepper
-
2 cups beef stock
-
1 can (14 oz) tomatoes
-
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
-
⅓ cup barbecue sauce
How to Make BBQ Slow Cooker Beef Stew
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the sliced onions, chopped green peppers, and garlic for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Load the Slow Cooker
Add the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker along with:
-
Beef stew meat
-
Salt & pepper
-
Beef stock
-
Tomatoes
-
Mushrooms
-
Barbecue sauce
Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
3. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
The beef becomes incredibly tender, and the BBQ-infused broth deepens in flavor as it simmers.
4. Adjust Thickness (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew:
Mix
-
¼ cup water
-
2–3 tablespoons cornstarch
Then stir the slurry into the stew during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Ladle the stew into bowls and serve warm.
It pairs beautifully with:
-
Cornbread
-
Mashed potatoes
-
Rice
-
Fresh crusty bread
Tips & Variations
-
Add potatoes or carrots for a heartier stew.
-
Use smoky BBQ sauce for deeper flavor.
-
Add a splash of beer for richness.
-
Stir in Worcestershire sauce for extra savory punch.