Slow Cooker Chickpea and Beef Stew for an Easy Dinner Step-by-step instructions

Before you start

Before starting, ensure your slow cooker insert is clean and dry. Gather all your ingredients on the counter so you can assemble the dish quickly. If you are using frozen beef, make sure it is fully thawed in the refrigerator before adding it to the cooker.

Having everything ready to go makes the assembly process smooth and efficient, allowing you to get the meal started in just a few minutes before you head out for the day.

Instructions

Initial Assembly

1. 1Prepare the Base
   Place the raw beef stew meat cubes into the bottom of the slow cooker. Ensure they are evenly distributed to allow for uniform cooking during the long simmering process.
   Look for The beef should cover the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
   Tip Pat the beef dry with paper towels before adding to the cooker if you prefer a slightly deeper flavor.

At the start, the ingredients should be neatly layered in the slow cooker. The beef cubes should be sitting at the bottom, covered by the chickpeas and the seasoning. The broth should be poured over the top, just beginning to submerge the ingredients. Check that the slow cooker is plugged in and set to the low setting, and ensure the lid is properly seated to begin the slow, steady heat transfer.

Cooking Process

2. 2Add Aromatics and Liquid
   Scatter the chickpeas over the beef cubes. Sprinkle the beef seasoning packet evenly over the contents, then pour the beef broth over everything. Do not stir at this stage.
   Look for The liquid should just cover the beef and chickpeas.
   Tip Use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the final salt level of the dish.

During the middle of the cooking phase, the kitchen will begin to fill with a savory, meaty aroma. The liquid will be simmering gently, and you might notice small bubbles rising from the sides of the cooker.

Avoid the temptation to open the lid to check on the progress, as this will release essential moisture. The beef is gradually tenderizing, and the chickpeas are absorbing the broth and seasoning flavors deep into their centers.

Final Tenderness

3. 3Cook and Rest
   Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Once finished, ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure the meat is tender.
   Look for The beef should be fork-tender and the broth should be rich and aromatic.
   Safe temperature 145°F (63°C) internal temperature (steaks, chops and roasts)
   Tip Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat cubes.

At the end of the cooking time, the stew should look rich, dark, and thick. The beef should be extremely tender and easily pierced with a fork. The broth should have reduced slightly, concentrating the flavors. Before serving, give the stew a gentle stir to combine the ingredients and distribute the seasoning. Confirm the internal temperature of the beef is 145°F (63°C) and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Common mistakes

A common mistake is adding too much liquid, which can result in a thin, watery broth that lacks depth. Stick to the recommended amount of broth, as the beef and chickpeas will also release some liquid during the long cooking process.

Another error is stirring the ingredients too early; allowing them to cook undisturbed keeps the textures distinct. Finally, avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this causes significant heat loss and extends the required cooking time significantly.

How to tell it’s done

The stew is finished when the beef is fork-tender, meaning it should easily pull apart when pressed with a fork. Use a digital meat thermometer to confirm the beef has reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).

The sauce should be thick and glossy, with a rich, savory aroma. If the meat still feels firm, continue cooking for another 30 minutes, as the time required for tenderness can vary slightly depending on the cut of meat.

• Steaks, chops and roasts: 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part, then a 3-minute rest