How to Thicken Beef Stew in a Crock Pot
Beef stew is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be cooked in a crock pot for a quick and easy meal. To achieve the desired thick, rich texture of a successful beef stew, there are a few simple techniques you can use in the slow cooker.
Thicken with a Starch
Adding a starch to the mix can help give the stew the consistency you’re after. The best option is to add a flour and butter roux, which should be made separately before adding it to the slow cooker. To make the roux, melt the butter in a pan and then add the flour, stirring continuously until thick. Allow the roux to cool slightly before stirring it into the stew.
Alternatively, simply adding a flour/water mix to the stew can help thicken it. Dissolve four tablespoons of flour in ¼ cup of cold water and add to the stew. Make sure to stir it in well, turn the slow cooker to “high,” and allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Puréed Vegetables or Tomato Paste
Puréed cooked vegetables or a spoonful of tomato paste can help thicken the beef stew in your slow cooker. Both of these options are especially delicious! To use cooked vegetables to thicken the stew, purée cooked potatoes in a food processor and add it to the stew. You can also add a can of puréed tomatoes, or mix a tablespoon of tomato paste to a quarter cup of the liquid in the slow cooker.
Gravy Granules or Cornstarch
Gravy granules or cornstarch are both effective ways to thicken beef stew in a slow cooker.
- Gravy granules: Add a teaspoon of gravy granules to two tablespoons of the beef stew liquid and stir until it’s completely dissolved. You can then add this mixture to the slow cooker.
- Cornstarch: Dissolve two tablespoons of cornstarch in a quarter cup of cold water and stir until completely combined. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the stew and cook on the high setting for 30 minutes.
Get Cooking!
These are just a few easy methods you can use to thicken beef stew in your slow cooker. Experiment with each one to find your favorite and get ready for some delicious beef stew dinners!
