slow cooker beef and turnip stew with fresh rosemary for dinner

30 min prep 2 min cook 3 servings
slow cooker beef and turnip stew with fresh rosemary for dinner
Save This Recipe!
Click to save for later - It only takes 2 seconds!

Love this recipe? Save it to Pinterest before you forget!

As the weather starts to cool down, I find myself craving warm, comforting meals that are easy to prepare and can simmer away all day. That's why I created this slow cooker beef and turnip stew with fresh rosemary for dinner. It's the perfect remedy for a chilly evening, and the aroma that fills your home will make your mouth water in anticipation. I remember my grandmother making a similar stew when I was a child, and the smell of rosemary and beef wafting from the kitchen was always a sign that something delicious was on the way. This recipe is a nod to those fond memories, with a few tweaks to make it my own. The addition of turnips adds a nice sweetness and texture to the dish, while the fresh rosemary provides a fragrant and herbaceous note. The best part about this recipe is that it's incredibly easy to make. Simply brown the beef and cook the vegetables in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and let it simmer away until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together. It's the perfect meal for a busy day, as it requires minimal effort and can be ready when you are.

Why You'll Love This slow cooker beef and turnip stew with fresh rosemary for dinner

  • EASY TO MAKE: This recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
  • COMFORTING AND WARMING: The combination of beef, turnips, and rosemary creates a hearty and comforting stew that's perfect for chilly evenings.
  • FLAVORFUL AND AROMATIC: The fresh rosemary adds a fragrant and herbaceous note to the dish, while the beef and turnips provide a rich and savory flavor.
  • PERFECT FOR BUSY DAYS: This recipe is ideal for busy days, as it can be prepared in advance and simmered away in the slow cooker until you're ready to eat.
  • CUSTOMIZABLE: You can customize this recipe to suit your tastes by adding or substituting different vegetables, herbs, and spices.
  • MAKES GREAT LEFTOVERS: This recipe makes a large batch of stew that can be refrigerated or frozen for later use, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
  • NOURISHING AND FILLING: This stew is packed with nutrients and fiber, making it a nourishing and filling meal that will keep you satisfied until the next meal.
  • PERFECT FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS: This recipe is perfect for special occasions, such as holidays or dinner parties, as it's impressive and delicious, but also easy to make and serve.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredients for slow cooker beef and turnip stew with fresh rosemary for dinner
The key ingredients in this recipe are the beef, turnips, fresh rosemary, and beef broth. The beef provides a rich and savory flavor, while the turnips add a nice sweetness and texture to the dish. The fresh rosemary adds a fragrant and herbaceous note, while the beef broth helps to bring all the flavors together. When selecting these ingredients, look for high-quality beef that is tender and flavorful, and fresh turnips that are firm and sweet. You can also use other types of protein, such as lamb or pork, if you prefer. For the fresh rosemary, choose fresh sprigs that are fragrant and have a nice aroma.

How to Make slow cooker beef and turnip stew with fresh rosemary for dinner

1
Brown the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

2
Cook the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pan and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

3
Add the Turnips and Rosemary

Add the peeled and chopped turnips to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add the fresh rosemary sprigs and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

4
Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef, cooked vegetables, turnips, and rosemary to the slow cooker. Add the beef broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5
Cook on Low

Cook the stew on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

6
Serve and Enjoy

Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and crusty bread on the side. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Results

Use High-Quality Ingredients:

Using high-quality ingredients, such as grass-fed beef and fresh rosemary, will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the stew.

Brown the Beef Properly:

Browning the beef properly will add a rich and savory flavor to the stew. Make sure to cook the beef until it's nicely browned on all sides.

Don't Overcook the Vegetables:

The vegetables should be cooked until they're tender, but still crisp. Overcooking the vegetables will make them mushy and unappetizing.

Use the Right Type of Potatoes:

Using the right type of potatoes, such as Russet or Yukon Gold, will make a big difference in the texture and flavor of the stew.

Add Aromatics:

Adding aromatics, such as onions, carrots, and celery, will add a depth of flavor to the stew. Make sure to cook the aromatics until they're tender and fragrant.

Season to Taste:

Seasoning the stew to taste will make a big difference in the flavor. Make sure to taste the stew regularly and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Let it Rest:

Letting the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving will allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Serve with Crusty Bread:

Serving the stew with crusty bread will make a big difference in the overall experience. The bread will help to soak up the flavorful broth and add texture to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not Browning the Beef Properly: Not browning the beef properly will result in a stew that lacks flavor and texture. Make sure to cook the beef until it's nicely browned on all sides.

    Fix: Take the time to brown the beef properly, and make sure to cook it until it's nicely browned on all sides.

  • Overcooking the Vegetables: Overcooking the vegetables will make them mushy and unappetizing. Make sure to cook the vegetables until they're tender, but still crisp.

    Fix: Check the vegetables regularly and remove them from the heat when they're tender, but still crisp.

  • Not Seasoning to Taste: Not seasoning the stew to taste will result in a dish that lacks flavor. Make sure to taste the stew regularly and adjust the seasoning as needed.

    Fix: Take the time to taste the stew regularly and adjust the seasoning as needed.

  • Not Letting it Rest: Not letting the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving will result in a dish that lacks flavor and texture. Make sure to let the stew rest before serving.

    Fix: Let the stew rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, and make sure to serve it hot.

Variations & Substitutions

Use Different Types of Protein:

You can use different types of protein, such as lamb or pork, to change up the flavor and texture of the stew.

Add Other Vegetables:

You can add other vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or zucchini, to change up the flavor and texture of the stew.

Use Different Herbs and Spices:

You can use different herbs and spices, such as thyme or cumin, to change up the flavor of the stew.

Make it Spicy:

You can add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to make the stew spicy.

Make it Creamy:

You can add heavy cream or coconut cream to make the stew creamy.

Make it Vegan:

You can use plant-based protein sources, such as tofu or tempeh, and vegetable broth to make the stew vegan.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Room Temp:

The stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Refrigerator:

The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Freezer:

The stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before freezing, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.

Can I use different types of protein?

Yes! You can use different types of protein, such as lamb or pork, to change up the flavor and texture of the stew.

Can I make this in a Dutch oven?

Yes! You can make this recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven. Simply brown the beef and cook the vegetables in the Dutch oven, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer until the stew is cooked through.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! You can add other vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or zucchini, to change up the flavor and texture of the stew.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! You can use plant-based protein sources, such as tofu or tempeh, and vegetable broth to make the stew vegan.

Can I freeze this?

Yes! You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. Simply cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef and cook the vegetables in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

Can I serve this with crusty bread?

Yes! Serving this stew with crusty bread is a great way to soak up the flavorful broth and add texture to the dish.

slow cooker beef and turnip stew with fresh rosemary for dinner
soups

slow cooker beef and turnip stew with fresh rosemary for dinner

4.8 from 247 reviews
Pin Recipe
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
6-8 hours
Total Time
6-8 hours 15 mins
Servings
4-6

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium turnips, peeled and cubed
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and cube the turnips, and slice the carrots.
  2. Step 2: Brown the beef. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the browned beef from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Step 3: Cook the vegetables. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until it's translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Step 4: Add the ingredients to the slow cooker. Add the browned beef, cooked onion and garlic, cubed turnips, sliced carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, fresh rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Cook the stew. Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. Step 6: Serve and enjoy. Serve the stew hot, garnished with additional fresh rosemary if desired.

Recipe Notes

  • You can also make this recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop or in the oven. Simply brown the beef and cook the vegetables in the pot, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer or bake until the stew is cooked through.
  • If using fresh rosemary, be sure to chop it finely before adding it to the stew to avoid any bitter flavors.
  • You can serve the stew with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat the stew gently over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition (per serving)

350
Calories
25g
Carbs
25g
Protein
15g
Fat
5g
Fiber

You May Also Like

Discover more delicious recipes

Never Miss a Recipe!

Get our latest recipes delivered to your inbox.