There’s something magical about the deep, smoky flavors of barbecue merging with the rich, comforting heartiness of a slow-cooked stew. This Smoky BBQ Beef Stew takes classic beef stew and gives it a bold twist with a tangy, slightly sweet, and smoky BBQ sauce base. It’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings, backyard gatherings, or whenever you crave a warm, soul-satisfying meal. With tender chunks of stew meat, hearty vegetables, and a thick, flavorful broth, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Smoky BBQ Beef Stew
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
For the Stew
- 2 lbs stew meat beef chuck or round, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 carrots sliced
- 3 potatoes diced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce smoky or sweet, depending on preference
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Thickening (Optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water
Brown the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the stew meat with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Build the Base
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Add Liquids & Simmer
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.
Add Vegetables
After 1 ½ hours, add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew and cook for another 5 minutes until thickened.
Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle the BBQ beef stew into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Pairings
This BBQ beef stew goes great with:
- Cornbread: A slightly sweet, buttery cornbread balances the smoky flavors.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast.
- Grilled Cheese: A melty, toasted sandwich makes it an ultimate comfort meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Spoon some stew over creamy mashed potatoes for extra indulgence.
FAQs
1. What’s the best cut of beef for this stew?
Stew meat typically comes from tougher cuts like chuck, round, or brisket, which break down beautifully when slow-cooked, making them tender and flavorful.
2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
4. What BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite! A smoky sauce enhances the stew’s flavor, while a sweeter one balances the tang. If you like heat, try a spicy BBQ sauce.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans would all work well in this stew.
