We’ve always loved the hearty warmth of veal stew, a timeless comfort food that hails from European traditions where tender meat meets rich, savory broths. There’s something magical about its slow-cooked depth that fills the home with inviting aromas.
Using a slow cooker makes this classic even easier transforming simple ingredients into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. We’ll show you how to create a dish that’s perfect for busy days yet delivers bold flavors we all crave.
Ingredients
To craft our hearty Veal Stew in the Slow Cooker, we start by assembling fresh, high-quality ingredients that build layers of flavor and tenderness effortlessly.
Here’s our curated list of ingredients, ordered by how they’re added to the slow cooker for optimal cooking:
- 2 pounds veal stew meat, cubed into 1-inch pieces and patted dry for better browning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing the veal to lock in juices
- 1 large onion, diced, as the base layer for building aromatic flavors
- 3 garlic cloves, minced, to infuse early depth right after the onions
- 4 medium carrots, sliced into ½-inch rounds, added next for their natural sweetness
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks, for heartiness that absorbs the broth
- 2 celery stalks, chopped, to add subtle crunch and freshness
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained, for a tangy base that melds with the juices
- 4 cups beef broth, low-sodium, poured in to create a rich, simmering liquid
- 1 cup red wine (optional, for enhanced depth; substitute with extra broth if preferred)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme, sprinkled for its earthy notes that complement the veal
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste, ensuring the stew’s flavors pop without overwhelming
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, for a gentle kick
- 2 bay leaves, whole, removed before serving to avoid bitterness
These ingredients combine to deliver the comforting, bold flavors we love in this traditional dish, making it simple yet irresistible for busy days.
Tools and Equipment
Now that we’ve gathered our fresh ingredients for the veal stew, let’s equip ourselves with the right tools and equipment to ensure a seamless cooking process in the slow cooker. This setup allows us to sear, chop, and simmer our dish to perfection, enhancing the tender texture and rich flavors we love.
To prepare our veal stew efficiently, we recommend the following essential items. We’ve organized them by category for clarity:
- Slow Cooker: Our star appliance, a 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. It gently cooks the veal and vegetables over low heat, breaking down tough fibers into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness while infusing bold flavors from the seasonings and broth.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: Use a 12-inch skillet made of stainless steel or cast iron for searing the veal cubes. This step locks in juices and creates a flavorful base, preventing the meat from becoming tough.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: A sturdy cutting board paired with a sharp 8-10 inch chef’s knife helps us quickly dice onions, carrots, and celery. Precise cuts ensure even cooking and maximize the inviting aromas that fill our kitchen.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our recipe’s success. Opt for a set of measuring cups (1-cup, ½-cup, etc.) and measuring spoons to portion out ingredients like broth, olive oil, and spices without guesswork.
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs: A heat-resistant wooden spoon or pair of tongs is perfect for stirring the stew and turning the meat during searing, promoting even browning and easy transfer to the slow cooker.
- Ladle and Serving Bowls: Once our stew is ready, a sturdy ladle makes serving straightforward, while heat-safe serving bowls keep the dish warm and present its hearty appeal.
By having these tools on hand, we streamline the process from prep to table, making our veal stew in the slow cooker not only delicious but also effortlessly achievable for any home cook.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing our hearty veal stew in a slow cooker, transforming simple ingredients into a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days. Let’s follow these steps to achieve that rich, comforting aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Prep the Ingredients
First, we gather and prepare our fresh ingredients for optimal results. Start by washing and chopping 2 pounds of cubed veal stew meat into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Next, dice 1 large onion and mince 3 garlic cloves to release their pungent flavors. Slice 3 medium carrots and 4 medium potatoes into ½-inch thick pieces, and chop 2 celery stalks into ¼-inch slices—these vegetables form the hearty base of our stew.
We then measure out 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth, and optionally ½ cup of red wine for added depth. For seasonings, combine 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 bay leaves in a small bowl. This preparation ensures everything is ready, allowing us to build layers of taste efficiently.
Brown the Veal
We enhance the veal’s flavor by searing it to lock in juices and create a savory crust. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the 2 pounds of cubed veal, stirring frequently with a heat-resistant wooden spoon for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown and releases an irresistible, meaty aroma that fills the kitchen.
Once browned, we remove the veal from the skillet using tongs and set it aside on a plate—this step, known as the Maillard reaction, intensifies the stew’s overall depth and richness, making our dish stand out with its bold, comforting flavors.
Assemble in Slow Cooker
With the veal ready, we layer the ingredients in our 6-quart slow cooker for even cooking and flavor infusion. Begin by adding the browned veal to the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and potatoes—these form a colorful, vegetable-rich foundation.
Next, we pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and optional red wine, then sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves evenly over the top. Gently stir everything together with a wooden spoon to combine, ensuring the liquids cover the ingredients partially for a simmer that melds the veal stew‘s hearty elements into a cohesive, aromatic blend.
Cook the Stew
Finally, we set our slow cooker to low heat and cover it, allowing the stew to cook slowly for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours—cooking times may vary based on your model’s specifics. During this process, the veal becomes fork-tender, and the vegetables absorb the rich broth, filling your home with an inviting, savory scent that signals a delicious meal.
We recommend checking the stew after the minimum time, stirring once to ensure the flavors are well-integrated, and adjusting seasoning if needed for that perfect balance of tender meat and vibrant tastes.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our veal stew in a slow cooker is its flexibility for busy schedules. We can prepare components in advance to save time while preserving the dish’s tender meat and rich, savory flavors that fill the home with comforting aromas.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
To streamline our cooking process, we start by preparing the ingredients the day before. Begin by washing and chopping vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Veal stew benefits from fresh prep, so we store these in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors. For the 2 pounds of cubed veal stew meat, we sear it in olive oil as outlined in our steps, then let it cool completely before transferring to a sealed bag or container. This ensures the meat retains its juicy tenderness without overcooking later.
Assembling the Slow Cooker in Advance
We can assemble the entire veal stew in the slow cooker insert the night before for effortless mornings. Layer the seared veal, chopped vegetables, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings like thyme and bay leaves directly into the insert. Avoid adding delicate ingredients such as red wine at this stage to prevent oxidation, which could dull the bold flavors. Cover the insert and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply place the insert back into the slow cooker base and start cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the ingredients to meld into a hearty, aromatic blend.
Storing and Reheating the Cooked Stew
After cooking, we cool the veal stew to room temperature within 2 hours to ensure food safety. For short-term storage, transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate. If freezing, divide into freezer-safe bags or containers to lock in the stew’s deep, comforting taste.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to restore the stew’s tender consistency and rich aromas. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Use a slow cooker or stovetop on low heat to gently warm, preventing the meat from becoming tough. |
By following these steps, we ensure our veal stew remains delicious and convenient, ready to enjoy whenever we need a warm, flavorful meal.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this veal stew recipe to bring warmth and ease into your kitchen. It’s a simple way to enjoy rich flavors without the fuss, perfect for those hectic days.
Trust us, once you’ve tried it, this slow cooker gem will be our go-to for comforting meals. Let’s make every gathering memorable with its tender goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for veal stew?
The key ingredients include 2 pounds of cubed veal stew meat, olive oil, diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, potatoes, chopped celery, diced tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, and optional red wine. Seasonings like dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves add flavor. Use fresh, high-quality items for the best results.
How do I prepare veal stew in a slow cooker?
Start by searing the veal in a skillet for extra flavor. Layer it in a 6-quart slow cooker with prepped vegetables, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender. Stir occasionally and check for doneness to ensure even cooking.
What tools and equipment do I need for veal stew?
You’ll need a 6-quart slow cooker for gentle cooking, a large skillet for searing the veal, a cutting board and sharp knife for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a wooden spoon or tongs for stirring. A ladle and heat-safe bowls make serving easy.
Can I make veal stew ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients like chopping vegetables and searing veal the day before, then store in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble in the slow cooker insert ahead and refrigerate overnight for a quick start. This is ideal for busy schedules.
How should I store and reheat veal stew?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it thickens.
Is veal stew suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, it’s straightforward with simple steps and minimal active cooking time. Just follow the prep and layering instructions, and the slow cooker does most of the work. With basic kitchen tools, even novice cooks can create a delicious, hearty meal.