Best Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew 🌶️ | Easy, Flavorful, & Family-Friendly Recipe

Table of Contents: Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of stew, especially when it’s infused with the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. Our Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or an easy weeknight meal. Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, spiced broth, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will transport your taste buds to Mexico.

If you’re someone who loves hearty soups or traditional stews but craves a twist, this recipe is for you. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers maximum flavor. Let’s dive into what makes this stew so special and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.


Why Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew is a Must-Try

This Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of tender beef, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or need a fuss-free recipe for a busy weeknight, this stew fits the bill perfectly.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. By using a slow cooker, you allow the flavors to meld together over hours, resulting in a rich and deeply flavorful stew. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Related recipes like hearty Mexican beef soup and traditional Mexican beef stew share similarities, but this version stands out with its unique blend of spices and slow-cooked perfection. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome, making it a favorite for families and food lovers alike.


Alternate Names & Variations

This recipe is often known by other names, such as:
– Hearty Mexican beef soup
– Traditional Mexican beef stew
– Slow cooker beef and vegetable stew

Feel free to experiment with variations by adding beans, corn, or even a splash of lime juice for a tangy twist.


Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew
Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful stew:

  • – 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • – 1 large onion, diced
  • – 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • – 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • – 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • – 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • – 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • – 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • – 4 cups beef broth
  • – 1 tbsp chili powder
  • – 1 tsp cumin
  • – 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • – 1 tsp oregano
  • – Salt and pepper to taste
  • – Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Season the beef chunks with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and jalapeño until softened.

3. Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the seasoned beef, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.

4. Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours, or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender.

5. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Chef Tip: For extra tenderness, marinate the beef in the spices overnight before cooking.


Recipe Card

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 6 | Calories: 350 per serving


Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This stew is a perfect blend of convenience and flavor. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while infusing the broth with rich, Mexican-inspired spices.

Expert Tips:
– Use beef chuck roast for the best tenderness and flavor.
– Add a splash of lime juice before serving for a fresh, zesty kick.


Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, portion the stew into freezer-safe bags and store for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.


People Also Ask: Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew
Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew

What cut of beef is best for stew in a slow cooker?

The best cut for slow cooker stew is beef chuck roast. It’s marbled with fat, which breaks down during cooking, making the meat incredibly tender.

How do you make stew meat tender in a slow cooker?

Cook the stew on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 4–5 hours. Adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes can also help tenderize the meat.

What gives Mexican stew its flavor?

Mexican stews are flavored with spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, along with fresh ingredients like garlic, jalapeños, and cilantro.

Should stew be cooked on high or low in a crock pot?

For the best results, cook stew on low heat for 8 hours. This allows the flavors to develop fully and the meat to become tender.


Conclusion

There you have it—our ultimate Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew recipe. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and share your results with us!


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Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew is loaded with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and bold spices for a rich, comforting dish with south-of-the-border flair.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef chunks on all sides.
  2. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Add chopped onion, garlic, red and green bell peppers.
  4. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and stir in tomato paste.
  5. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender.
  7. 30 minutes before serving, stir in black beans and corn.
  8. Adjust seasoning if needed and let it heat through.
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving if desired.

Notes

Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a filling meal. Great for leftovers and freezes well.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: mexican beef stew, slow cooker, crockpot, comfort food, spicy beef stew