We love a comforting bowl of veal stew when we need hearty and homey flavors. Our slow cooker approach ensures a no-fuss meal that turns out tender every time.
Veal is known for its delicate taste so it pairs perfectly with root vegetables and fresh herbs. We let everything simmer for hours until each bite is fork-tender.
This hands-off method allows us to focus on other tasks as the stew fills our home with a mouthwatering aroma. When we’re ready to serve we savor the payoff of robust flavors in each spoonful.
Tools And Equipment
We rely on a slow cooker with at least 6-quart capacity for our Veal Stew In Slow Cooker Recipe. We also keep a sturdy cutting board close by for safe vegetable prep. A sharp chef’s knife helps us create even pieces of veal and root vegetables. We use a large skillet to quickly sear the veal and lock in its flavor before transferring it to the slow cooker. We reach for measuring cups and measuring spoons to ensure we add the right amount of stock and seasonings. A long-handled spoon or spatula helps us stir without losing heat.
| Equipment | Key Role |
|---|---|
| Slow Cooker (6-quart) | Holds all ingredients and provides gentle simmer |
| Large Skillet | Allows quick searing to enhance the stew’s deep flavors |
| Cutting Board | Keeps prep area stable for slicing vegetables and veal |
| Sharp Chef’s Knife | Ensures even cuts for uniform cooking |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Maintains precise liquid and spice ratios |
| Long-Handled Spoon | Makes stirring convenient while keeping hands safe |
Ingredients
We rely on a few essential staples for our comforting veal stew. Let’s gather these items for quick prep and robust flavors.
Veal And Vegetables
| Ingredient | Quantity / Prep |
|---|---|
| Veal stew meat | 2 pounds cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Carrots | 2 sliced into half-inch rounds |
| Celery stalks | 2 sliced thin |
| Onion | 1 large diced |
| Garlic cloves | 3 minced |
Seasonings And Liquids
| Ingredient | Quantity / Prep |
|---|---|
| Beef broth | 1½ cups |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Bay leaves | 2 whole |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Prep Work
We begin this stage by gathering our ingredients and organizing them for smooth cooking. Meticulous preparation ensures every component cooks evenly in our veal stew.
Cutting The Veal
We place our 2 pounds of veal stew meat on a sturdy cutting board. We trim away any visible fat or silver skin using a sharp knife. We cut each piece into 1 inch cubes and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps us lock in flavor during browning.
Chopping The Vegetables
| Vegetable | Size |
|---|---|
| Carrots | ¼ inch slices |
| Celery | ¼ inch slices |
| Onion | ½ inch dice |
| Garlic | Minced |
Slow Cooker Instructions
We place our veal stew meat and vegetables into the slow cooker for a gentle braise that amplifies flavor. We use a large skillet for a quick sear first because browning helps lock in juices and deepen color before transferring everything into the slow cooker.
Low Setting Method
- Sear the veal in a large skillet until all sides are browned
- Transfer the browned meat to our 6-quart slow cooker
- Layer sliced carrots, celery, onion, and garlic over the meat
- Whisk beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl
- Pour the mixture over the meat and vegetables
- Tuck 2 bay leaves into the stew for delicate herbal notes
- Cover and set the slow cooker to Low
- Let it cook for 8 hours
- Remove the bay leaves then taste and adjust seasonings if needed
High Setting Method
- Brown the veal stew meat in a skillet in the same manner
- Arrange the seared meat and vegetables in our slow cooker
- Combine the broth and seasonings in a small bowl
- Pour it over the stew contents so everything is coated
- Cover and set the slow cooker to High
- Let it cook for 4 hours
- Remove bay leaves then check flavor and consistency
| Slow Cooker Setting | Cook Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Low | 8 hours |
| High | 4 hours |
Serving Suggestions
We place generous portions of Veal Stew In Slow Cooker in wide bowls so everyone can savor the aroma. We often serve it over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes to capture every drop of the hearty sauce. We add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme for extra color and fragrance. We also enjoy pairing this comforting dish with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables.
Below is a quick look at our favorite side options:
| Side Dish | Serving Style |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | The robust flavors seep into the fluffy base for a satisfying bite |
| Egg Noodles | Provides a hearty foundation that blends seamlessly with the stew’s sauce |
| Crusty Bread | Perfect for soaking up every drop of gravy |
| Creamy Polenta | Adds a soft and comforting texture to highlight the slow-cooked veal |
We sometimes garnish our veal stew with a light dusting of grated parmesan to enhance its richness. This simple step adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the stew’s tender meat and aromatic vegetables.
Make-Ahead And Storage
We prepare our veal stew ahead by browning the meat and chopping the vegetables the night before. We store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The following day, we assemble everything in the slow cooker and let the flavors develop during the low-and-slow simmer.
After cooking, we cool the stew to room temperature and transfer it to airtight containers. We label each container with the date for easy tracking. We reheat portions on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until the stew is warmed through. We favor a gentle reheating method to preserve the tender texture of the veal.
Use this table as a quick reference for storage duration:
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
We find that freezing portions in single-serve containers prevents waste and makes weeknight dinners more convenient. To reheat from frozen, we thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator before warming. Minimal temperature fluctuations keep our stew safe and flavorful.
Conclusion
We love how this slow cooker recipe brings out a medley of flavors in every bite. The gentle heat does all the work leaving us free to focus on other tasks. Each serving feels like a comforting embrace that nourishes us with tenderness.
We appreciate how little effort is required to produce such a hearty meal. The aroma alone sparks anticipation and delivers on its promise of a fulfilling experience. Whenever we crave a home cooked delight this stew is ready to transform dinnertime into something truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the slow cooker method ideal for veal stew?
Slow cooking helps break down the veal’s fibers, giving it a tender texture and allowing flavors to develop over time. The gentle heat infuses the meat with broth, herbs, and vegetables. This method also frees you up for other tasks, as you simply layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and let them simmer.
What are the essential ingredients?
You’ll need veal stew meat, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, and seasonings like bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Olive oil is crucial for browning. These ingredients work together to create a hearty, flavorful, and comforting stew.
How should I prepare the meat and vegetables?
Trim excess fat from the veal and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Pat the meat dry to lock in flavor when browning. For vegetables, slice carrots and celery into ¼ inch pieces, dice onion into ½ inch chunks, and mince garlic. Proper prep ensures even cooking and a well-balanced bite.
Do I need to brown the veal first?
Yes, browning the veal in a hot skillet before slow cooking enhances its taste. Searing carmelizes the meat’s surface, locking in juices and adding a deeper, richer flavor to the finished stew. This quick step is worth it for a more robust overall taste.
Can I cook on both low and high settings?
Absolutely. For a rich, slow-simmered flavor, choose the Low Setting Method (8 hours). If you need to cut down on cooking time, the High Setting Method (4 hours) still delivers a tender stew. Just ensure you sear the meat first and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
What are good serving suggestions?
Pair veal stew with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme brightens the dish. You can also top it off with grated parmesan for extra richness and serve with a crisp side salad.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Allow leftover stew to cool before storing in airtight containers. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For convenience, freeze in single-serve portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stove to maintain texture and flavor.