Fire-Roasted Tomato Beef Stew Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of Fire-Roasted Tomato Beef Stew to soothe the soul on a chilly day. This dish combines the rich, smoky flavors of fire-roasted tomatoes with tender beef chunks, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. If you’re searching for crockpot soup recipes that are both easy to make and packed with flavor, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

As a busy home cook, I’m always on the lookout for meals that require minimal effort but deliver maximum satisfaction. This stew is one of those crockpot recipes easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a weekend gathering. With the magic of crock pot cooking, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.

Whether you’re a fan of beef recipes for dinner or simply love a good bowl of soup, this recipe brings together comforting ingredients and bold flavors. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American Comfort Food
• Category: Soup/Stew
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Servings: 6-8

What You’ll Need

Creating a flavorful Fire-Roasted Tomato Beef Stew starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that make this dish a standout among crockpot soup recipes easy to prepare:

• Beef Stew Meat: The hearty base of the stew, providing protein and a rich, meaty flavor that becomes tender after slow cooking.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: These add a smoky depth and slight sweetness, elevating the overall taste compared to regular canned tomatoes.
• Vegetables (Potatoes, Carrots, Onions): These classic stew veggies contribute texture, heartiness, and natural sweetness to balance the savory broth.
• Beef Broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base, enhancing the beefy essence of the dish.
• Herbs and Spices (Thyme, Bay Leaves, Garlic): These aromatics infuse the stew with warmth and complexity, making every bite irresistible.

Gather the essentials for a hearty Fire-Roasted Tomato Beef Stew

INGREDIENTS

• – 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• – 2 cans (14.5 oz each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• – 4 cups beef broth
• – 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• – 3 large carrots, sliced into rounds
• – 1 large onion, chopped
• – 3 cloves garlic, minced
• – 2 tbsp tomato paste
• – 1 tsp dried thyme
• – 2 bay leaves
• – 1 tsp salt
• – 1/2 tsp black pepper
• – 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning meat, optional)

PREPARATION

1. If desired, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This step is optional but adds extra flavor. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the browned beef with 2 cans fire-roasted tomatoes, 4 cups beef broth, potatoes, carrots, onion, and minced garlic.
3. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp thyme, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well mixed.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
5. Before serving, remove the bay leaves and taste for seasoning, adjusting with additional salt or pepper if needed. Stir gently to combine all flavors.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal. Enjoy this comforting bowl of Fire-Roasted Tomato Beef Stew!

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: 320 per serving (based on 6 servings)
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 4g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Why Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes?

Fire-roasted tomatoes bring a unique smoky flavor to this stew, setting it apart from traditional recipes. They’re roasted over an open flame before canning, which caramelizes their natural sugars and adds depth. When used in crockpot soup recipes slow cooker style, they meld beautifully with the beef and broth, creating a rich, complex base.

Benefits of Slow Cooker Cooking

Using a slow cooker for crockpot dishes like this stew offers unmatched convenience. The low, slow heat tenderizes tough cuts of beef over time, ensuring melt-in-your-mouth texture without constant monitoring. It’s ideal for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle.

Customizing Your Stew

One of the best things about crockpot soup recipes easy to make is their versatility. Add green beans, peas, or celery for extra veggies, or toss in a handful of barley for a heartier texture. You can even spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a kick of heat.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew

For the most flavorful results in your beef recipes for dinner, choose a well-marbled cut of stew meat or chuck roast. Browning the meat beforehand, though optional, locks in juices and enhances the overall taste. Also, avoid overcooking vegetables by cutting them into uniform sizes for even cooking.

Pairing Suggestions

This Fire-Roasted Tomato Beef Stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the savory broth. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or over fluffy mashed potatoes. A glass of red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, can complement the robust flavors beautifully.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This stew stores exceptionally well, making it a great option for meal prep. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I Make This Stew Without a Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a slow cooker, you can prepare this Fire-Roasted Tomato Beef Stew in a large pot or Dutch oven. Follow the same steps for browning the meat (if desired), then simmer everything on the stovetop over low heat for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.

What Cut of Beef is Best for Stew?

For the best results in beef recipes for dinner 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 perfect for crockpot soup recipes.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Stew?

Yes, this recipe is highly adaptable! Feel free to include vegetables like green beans, peas, or parsnips to suit your taste. Just be mindful of cooking times—add quicker-cooking veggies closer to the end of the process if using crock pot cooking to avoid overcooking them.

How Can I Thicken My Beef Stew?

If you prefer a thicker consistency for your Fire-Roasted Tomato Beef Stew, mix 1-2 tbsp of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high in the slow cooker, and it will thicken nicely.

Warm up with a comforting bowl of this savory stew on a chilly day