My Slow Cooker Secret
I love my slow cooker. It feels like a kitchen helper. You just add things in the morning. Then you come home to a warm, ready dinner.
This beef stew is one of my favorites. It is so simple. The meat gets so tender. The vegetables soak up all the good flavors. It makes the whole house smell like home.
A Stew with a Story
This is a traditional Jewish recipe. We often eat it during Passover. But it’s perfect for Sukkot too. That’s a holiday where we eat meals in a little hut. A warm stew is just right for that.
I remember making it for my grandkids last Sukkot. The wind was chilly. They came in from the backyard, noses red. They saw the stew and their eyes lit up. I still smile thinking about it. A good meal wraps you in a hug.
Why This Bowl Matters
This is more than just food. It’s a connection. Cooking these Jewish recipes keeps our family stories alive. It’s a taste of history on your spoon.
It also brings everyone to the table. That is so important. A simple family dinner idea like this stew makes talking easy. You share your day. You laugh. That time together matters most.
How to Make It Your Own
This slow cooker beef stew is very forgiving. You just need your beef stew with root vegetables. Use what you have. No parsnip? Use an extra carrot. It will still be wonderful.
*Fun fact*: The spices here, like cumin, are common in Middle Eastern cuisine. They add a warm, cozy depth. Doesn’t that smell amazing when you lift the lid?
What’s your favorite root vegetable to add to a stew? Tell me in the comments. I love getting new ideas.
Simple & Good for You
This is a gluten free beef stew and a paleo beef stew naturally. There’s no flour or grains. It’s just whole, real food. That makes it a great kosher beef stew for the holidays, too.
It truly is one of the best easy slow cooker recipes. You just chop, dump, and go. Do you have a go-to slow cooker meal for busy days? I’d love to hear about it.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots | 2 small | peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Parsnip | 1 large | peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Turnip | 1 | peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Butternut squash | 1 cup | peeled and cubed |
| Beef chuck | 1 pound | cubed |
| Whole, peeled tomatoes | 1 (28-ounce) can | |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Mustard powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| Ground cumin | ½ teaspoon | |
| Kosher salt | to taste | |
| Freshly ground black pepper | to taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Place all your chopped root vegetables in the slow cooker. I love the colors. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? This is the heart of our beef stew with root vegetables. (A hard-learned tip: uniform pieces cook evenly!)
Step 2: Add the cubed beef chuck right on top. Then, pour in the whole can of tomatoes. This easy slow cooker recipe is so simple. It’s a perfect gluten free beef stew for family dinner ideas.
Step 3: Mix your spices in a little bowl. Sprinkle them over everything. This gives our kosher beef stew its warm, Middle Eastern cuisine flavor. Which spice do you think will smell the best? Share below!
Step 4: Put the lid on and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Your house will smell wonderful. This slow cooker beef stew is perfect for Sukkot recipes or any busy day. I still laugh at how easy it is.
Step 5: Finally, season it with salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir. This paleo beef stew is now ready. Serve it hot and watch everyone smile. These Jewish recipes bring everyone together.
Creative Twists
Add a handful of pitted prunes for a sweet, traditional touch. Swap the turnip for a sweet potato for a different flavor. Stir in a spoonful of honey at the end for a glossy finish. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This cozy stew is a meal all by itself. For a true feast, serve it over a big mound of mashed potatoes. A simple green salad on the side is always nice. You could also garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It makes everything look so pretty on the table. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Stew Cozy for Later
Let’s talk about storing this lovely stew. Your fridge will keep it happy for three days. For the freezer, let it cool completely first. Then use a sturdy container. Leave some space at the top. The stew will expand as it freezes.
I remember my first big batch. I used a glass jar. It cracked in the freezer! What a mess. Now I use plastic containers made for freezing. They work much better.
Reheating is simple. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Warm it gently on the stove. Add a splash of water if it seems thick. This careful storage matters. It means a warm, homemade meal is always ready. That is a true gift on a busy night.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Little Fixes for Common Stew Troubles
Sometimes our cooking needs a small fix. First, if your stew is too thin, just remove the lid. Let it cook a bit longer. The extra steam will escape. This will thicken the broth nicely.
Second, if the vegetables are too soft, add them later. Put root vegetables in for the last two hours. They will keep their perfect texture. I once added everything at the start. My carrots turned to mush!
Third, if the flavor seems flat, check your salt. Season at the very end. This simple step makes all the difference. Getting these fixes right builds your confidence. It also makes your family dinner ideas taste amazing every time.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What is the best cut of beef for a Passover stew?
Beef chuck is the best choice. It has good marbling. This means it has little bits of fat. The fat melts during the long, slow cooking. It makes the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. This cut is perfect for our slow cooker beef stew. It turns out juicy every time.
Can I make Passover beef stew ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can. This is one of the best easy slow cooker recipes for making ahead. The flavors get even better the next day. Just follow the storage tips I shared earlier. Cool it, then store it in the fridge or freezer. Reheat it gently before your holiday meal.
How can I thicken a Passover stew without flour?
You have a few great options. Let the stew cook without the lid for the last hour. The steam will escape and thicken it. You can also mash some of the soft potatoes or turnips. Stir them back into the broth. This makes a gluten free beef stew and paleo beef stew that is naturally thick and hearty.
What root vegetables are traditional for Passover?
Carrots, parsnips, and turnips are very traditional. They are hearty and hold up well. They add a sweet, earthy flavor to your beef stew with root vegetables. These vegetables are staples in many Jewish recipes and Middle Eastern cuisine. They make the stew filling and full of good nutrients for your family.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
The recipe is written for a slow cooker. It cooks on low for 6 to 8 hours. You can also use an Instant Pot. Use the meat/stew setting for about 35 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Both methods make a wonderful kosher beef stew perfect for Passover or Sukkot recipes.
What can I substitute for wine in a kosher for Passover stew?
You can use a good beef broth or stock. Pomegranate juice is another nice option. It adds a touch of sweetness and tang. A bit of red wine vinegar with broth works too. These swaps keep your stew 100% kosher for Passover. They still build a rich, deep flavor that everyone will love.
*Fun fact: Parsnips look like white carrots, but they have a sweet, nutty flavor all their own!*
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making this stew. It fills the house with the best smell. It is a hug in a bowl. This recipe has been a friend to my family for years.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Did your family enjoy it? Did you add your own special touch? Please tell me all about it.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below. Sharing our stories makes the kitchen a happier place.
Happy cooking!
—Elena Rutherford
Hearty Beef and Root Vegetable Passover Stew
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together carrots, parsnips, turnips and butternut squash in the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Top with cubed beef and tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder and cumin and sprinkle over everything.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- No nutrition information provided.