Certainly! Let’s dive deep into the Crock Pot Sweet ‘n’ Snappy Beef Stew recipe, exploring its ingredients, cooking process, nutritional details, and more. This hearty stew combines the richness of beef with the sweetness of ginger, molasses, and raisins, creating a delightful balance of flavors. It’s perfect for a comforting meal any time of the year, especially when served with a side of mixed greens, grapes, and toasted walnuts.
Recipe: Crock Pot Sweet ‘n’ Snappy Beef Stew
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef stew meat | 2 lbs |
| Carrots | 4, sliced |
| Parsnips | 2, sliced |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Celery | 1 stalk, sliced |
| Quick-cooking tapioca | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh ginger, minced | 1 tbsp |
| Ground ginger | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Cider vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Molasses | 1/4 cup |
| Raisins | 1/2 cup |
Instructions:
-
In a 3 1/2 to 6-quart slow cooker, place the beef stew meat, sliced carrots, sliced parsnips, chopped onion, and sliced celery.
-
Sprinkle the quick-cooking tapioca, minced fresh ginger, ground ginger, salt, and pepper over the meat and vegetables.
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Add the undrained diced tomatoes, cider vinegar, and molasses to the slow cooker.
-
Cover and cook on:
- Low heat setting for 8 to 9 hours, or
- High heat setting for 4 to 4 1/2 hours, until the vegetables are soft and the beef is tender.
-
Stir in the raisins, cover again, and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
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Serve the Crock Pot Sweet ‘n’ Snappy Beef Stew hot, accompanied by a salad of mixed greens, grapes, and toasted walnuts.
-
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful stew!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 339.5
- Fat: 13.4g
- Saturated Fat: 5.2g
- Cholesterol: 82.9mg
- Sodium: 430.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 30.2g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 20.6g
- Protein: 24.8g
This Crock Pot Sweet ‘n’ Snappy Beef Stew not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a good balance of nutrients. The beef contributes protein while the vegetables and raisins add fiber and natural sweetness. The use of ginger and molasses enhances the depth of flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this stew is sure to be a hit.
Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, ensuring that each ingredient retains its integrity while contributing to the overall harmony of the dish. The tapioca helps to thicken the stew naturally as it cooks, eliminating the need for additional thickeners. Plus, the addition of cider vinegar adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the molasses and raisins perfectly.
For those who enjoy meal prepping, this stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days, allowing the flavors to develop even further. It also freezes well, making it a convenient option for future meals. Just be sure to thaw and reheat gently to preserve the texture of the vegetables and meat.
Pairing this stew with a crisp salad of mixed greens, juicy grapes, and crunchy toasted walnuts adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. The combination of textures and flavors creates a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
In conclusion, the Crock Pot Sweet ‘n’ Snappy Beef Stew is a versatile recipe that embodies comfort and flavor. With its wholesome ingredients and simple preparation, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this stew is sure to impress with its delicious taste and nutritional benefits.
