Cover and cook:
→ LOW: 7–8 hours (ideal for fall-apart tenderness—the meat shreds with gentle fork pressure)
→ HIGH: 4–5 hours (if short on time—check at 4 hours; meat should yield easily)
Critical: Resist lifting the lid before 6 hours (LOW) or 3 hours (HIGH). Each peek adds 15–20 minutes to the cook time and disrupts steam circulation.
4. Finish with Reverence
When done, the meat should shred easily and the potatoes should be tender but intact.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer meat and vegetables to a serving bowl. Skim excess fat from the surface of the remaining broth if desired. Pour the broth over the stew.
Optional thickening: Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 3 tbsp cold water; stir into the hot broth and cook uncovered on HIGH for 10 minutes until glossy.
5. Serve with Soul
Taste before seasoning—onion soup mix contains salt.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve in warmed bowls with crusty bread for dipping.
This stew tastes even better the next day—flavors deepen overnight in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I skip the onion soup mix?
Yes—make a homemade blend:
• 3 tbsp dried minced onion
• 1½ tsp beef bouillon powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp parsley flakes
• ¼ tsp celery seed
• Pinch of sugar
Whisk into the broth before pouring.
Q: My stew is watery! How do I fix it?
Two solutions:
-
Remove 1 cup of broth, whisk with 2 tbsp cornstarch, return to cooker, and simmer uncovered on HIGH for 10 minutes.
-
Mash a few potato chunks against the side of the cooker to naturally thicken the broth.
Q: Can I add carrots or other vegetables?
Absolutely—but add delicate vegetables (peas, green beans) in the last 30 minutes.
Root vegetables (carrots, parsnips) can go in with the potatoes.
Avoid overloading—maximum 6 cups total vegetables to prevent steaming instead of stewing.
Q: Can I use frozen meat?
Yes—place the frozen roast directly in the slow cooker.
Add 1 extra hour on LOW (or 30 minutes on HIGH). The broth may be slightly thinner—reduce uncovered for 15 minutes at the end if needed.
Allergy Information
Next
