Butter Bean Beef Stew Recipe

Welcome to a comforting bowl of Butter Bean Beef Stew, a dish that embodies warmth and satisfaction with every bite. This hearty recipe brings together tender beef, creamy butter beans, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for busy days, this stew is designed for slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over hours in a crockpot. Whether you’re searching for crockpot recipes beef or a cozy meal to share with family, this dish is a must-try for any home cook.

As the seasons change and cooler weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a slow-simmered stew filling your kitchen. This recipe draws inspiration from classic comfort foods like unstuffed cabbage rolls and other crockpot cabbage recipes, incorporating cabbage for a subtle sweetness and hearty texture. It’s an easy way to enjoy the essence of traditional cabbage rolls without the extra prep work, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

In this post, I’ll walk you through every step to create this soul-warming meal. From the ingredients to expert tips on crock pot cooking, you’ll have all the tools to make this stew a staple in your recipe collection. Let’s dive into the details of crafting the perfect Butter Bean Beef Stew!

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American Comfort Food
• Category: Main Dish, Stew
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
• Servings: 6-8

What You’ll Need

To bring this Butter Bean Beef Stew to life, each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. The beef provides a rich, meaty base that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours of slow cooking. Butter beans add a creamy, hearty element that complements the beef, while cabbage—reminiscent of unstuffed cabbage dishes—brings a subtle sweetness and bulk to the stew. Aromatics like onions and garlic lay the foundation for depth, and the broth ties everything together with savory warmth. Spices and seasonings enhance the overall profile, making this a standout among beef casserole recipes. With simple pantry staples, this recipe transforms into a comforting masterpiece through the magic of crockpot recipes slow cooker methods.

Fresh components gathered for a hearty Butter Bean Beef Stew

INGREDIENTS

• – 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• – 2 cans (15 oz each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• – 1 small head cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
• – 1 large onion, diced
• – 3 cloves garlic, minced
• – 3 medium carrots, sliced
• – 2 medium potatoes, diced
• – 4 cups beef broth
• – 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• – 1 tbsp tomato paste
• – 1 tsp dried thyme
• – 1 tsp paprika
• – 1 bay leaf
• – Salt and pepper to taste
• – 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning beef)

PREPARATION

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5 minutes per batch, then transfer to the crockpot.
2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Transfer to the crockpot with the beef.
3. Add the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, drained butter beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, paprika, and bay leaf to the crockpot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Pour in the 4 cups beef broth, ensuring the ingredients are mostly submerged. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
6. Before serving, remove the bay leaf and stir the stew to incorporate all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal, enjoying the comforting essence of this crockpot dishes masterpiece.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: 380 per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sodium: 780mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on a serving size of 1/8 of the recipe.

Why Use Butter Beans in Stew?

Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are a fantastic addition to Butter Bean Beef Stew due to their creamy texture and mild flavor. They absorb the savory broth while adding a hearty element that makes the stew more filling. Unlike other beans, butter beans hold their shape well during long crock pot cooking sessions, ensuring a pleasant bite in every spoonful.

Can I Substitute Cabbage in This Recipe?

Absolutely! While cabbage adds a unique texture reminiscent of unstuffed cabbage rolls, you can swap it for other vegetables like kale, collard greens, or even zucchini. Keep in mind that different greens may alter the cooking time slightly, so adjust accordingly when preparing your crockpot cabbage recipes.

Benefits of Slow Cooking Beef Stew

Slow cooking is the secret to tender, flavorful beef in dishes like this Butter Bean Beef Stew. Using crockpot recipes slow cooker methods allows the collagen in tougher cuts of beef to break down over time, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat. Additionally, it enhances the depth of flavors as the ingredients simmer together for hours.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This stew stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Customizing Your Stew for Dietary Needs

This Butter Bean Beef Stew is easily adaptable. For a low-sodium version, use reduced-sodium broth and limit added salt. If you’re avoiding red meat, substitute beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter take on beef casserole recipes. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth with extra beans and veggies.

Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this stew with complementary sides. A slice of crusty bread or cornbread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth. For a heartier meal, serve over mashed potatoes or rice. A simple green salad on the side adds freshness to balance the richness of this crockpot recipes beef dish.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I Make This Stew Without a Crockpot?

Yes, you can adapt this Butter Bean Beef Stew for stovetop or oven cooking if you don’t have a crockpot. Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to a large Dutch oven. Simmer on the stovetop over low heat for about 2-3 hours, or bake in the oven at 325°F for the same duration, stirring occasionally and adding broth if needed.

What Cuts of Beef Are Best for Stew?

For the best results in crockpot recipes beef like this stew, opt for tougher cuts like chuck roast, round, or brisket. These cuts have more connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Trim excess fat before cooking to keep the stew from becoming too greasy.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Stew?

Definitely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to include vegetables like green beans, peas, or celery root. If you’re a fan of unstuffed cabbage flavors, consider adding bell peppers for a slight twist. Just be mindful of cooking times—add quicker-cooking veggies towards the end of the process.

Warm up with a comforting bowl of this slow-cooked stew