Mexican Sweet Potato Beef Stew (Slow Cooker Recipe)

This Mexican Beef Stew Slow Cooker Recipe is infused with warm spices and sweet potato for a wholesome gluten free, dairy free dinner that couldn’t be easier to make. Serve it on its own or with your favorite sides for the ultimate comfort food meal!

The Best Beef Stew Slow Cooker Recipe …with a Spicy Twist!

If you’re like us, you grew up eating slow cooker beef stew containing large chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, frozen peas, and a thick gravy, but that’s not what you’ll find with this version! Sticking with tradition, we utilized the slow cooker method of preparation. However, instead of incorporating hearty winter veggies and savory seasonings, we swapped them out for Mexican–inspired ingredients like salsa and tomatoes along with warm spices such as chili powder and cumin. Not to mention seasonal veggies including sweet potato. 

The end result is a warm, flavorful beef stew slow cooker recipe that’s super quick to make, loaded with vitamins and nutrients, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Even better, it’s a great meal prep option that can be enjoyed all week! 

Is Stew Beef Healthy? 

Of course, what is deemed healthy looks different for everyone, and the information in this article is not meant to be taken as nutrition advice. However, in general, stew beef is a fairly nutritious option! It is a rich source of iron and protein meaning it is extremely satiating and helps provide our bodies with essential nutrients. 

What’s the Best Beef Cut for Stew? 

The key to picking good beef stew beef is to find cuts of meat that are laced with collagen and fat that break down when cooked slowly, making the meat extra tender to chew. This yields the savory flavor and tender texture we’re looking to achieve. 

The most common cut of meat used for slow cooker beef stew recipes is chuck roast which is also known as gravy beef or braising steak. Other good cuts of beef include bone-in short rib, fatty brisket, and cross-cut shanks. 

Mexican-Inspired Ingredients You’ll Need

Below are the key ingredients needed to make this Mexican sweet potato beef stew. However, we also utilize pantry staples. So, be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below to ensure you have everything you’ll need to create this recipe! 

• Beef – We find that lean or extra lean chuck meat works best. 
  
• Veggies – Onion, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes add vitamins, nutrients, fiber, and complex carbs to keep you fueled and satisfied. 
  
• Seasonings – Garlic cloves, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and cilantro add a hint of Mexican flair. 
  
• Salsa and Crushed or Fire Roasted Tomatoes – Used to enhance the broth.

• Broth or Stock – Beef, chicken, or vegetable will work!

Can I Incorporate Different Veggies? 

Sure! Feel free to use whatever you have on hand, but keep in mind that different vegetables may require different cooking times. So, adjust the recipe as needed. 

How to Make Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew

Is there anything easier than a good slow cooker recipe?! Follow the steps below, and your slow cooker beef stew recipe will be ready in no time. 

• Brown the meat. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large cast iron pan, Dutch oven, or a large skillet. Add the beef and a pinch of salt, and cook until it has browned. Then, remove the beef, and transfer it to a slow cooker. 
  

• Sauté. Leave a small amount of grease in the pan, and add the garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until the veggies are soft and fragrant. Then, transfer them to the slow cooker with the beef. 
  

• Cook. Add the remaining ingredients except for the lime juice and cilantro to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. 
  

• Garnish and serve. Stir in the lime and cilantro, cover the slow cooker again, and warm for an additional 10 minutes. Divide into bowls, top with avocado and jalapeño, and enjoy! 
  

Stovetop Option

No slow cooker? No problem! We’ve got you covered with a simple stovetop option, too. 

Follow the instructions as listed, browning the meat in a large pot. Then, remove it with a slotted spoon and wipe off any excess oil before adding the garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the veggies are soft and the garlic is fragrant.

Then, place the meat back into the pot along with the salsa and broth. Bring the ingredients to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add in the remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Heat until warm, and enjoy! 

Should My Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe Be Thick? 

Yes, this recipe will be thicker than your average soup. However, the broth will be slightly thinner than standard beef stew recipes. Feel free to experiment and adjust the ingredients as needed until your desired consistency has been reached. Slow cooking (cook long and slow) allows the ingredients enough time to thicken.

Storage and Freezing

When properly stored in an airtight container, leftover slow cooker beef stew will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Then, when you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and warm it in the microwave or slow cooker until heated through. 

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