Dr Pepper Beef Stew

This Crock Pot Dr Pepper Beef Stew is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for slow cooking. It combines tender beef, chunky vegetables, and a rich savory broth enhanced by the subtle sweetness and tenderizing qualities of Dr Pepper. This stew makes a fuss free, filling dinner that melts in your mouth and requires very little hands on time.

I first made this stew on a chilly weekend when I wanted a warm, no fuss dinner. It instantly became a family favorite and even my kids ask for it whenever the weather turns cool.

Ingredients

• Stew beef: cut into chunks choose chuck roast for rich marbling or lean sirloin for a lighter option
• Onion: diced provides sweetness and depth
• Carrots: chunked evenly add natural sweetness and texture uniform sizes ensure even cooking
• Russet potatoes: peeled or unpeeled russets break down nicely but baby gold or red potatoes hold shape better keeping stew broth hearty not mushy
• Celery: sliced adds freshness and a mild anise undertone
• Garlic cloves: minced boost savoriness and aroma
• Low sodium beef broth: controls salt levels and ensures a robust base no sodium broth works if you want to adjust seasoning yourself
• Tomato paste: thickens broth and brings gentle acidity
• Dr Pepper: tenderizes beef and imparts subtle complex flavors diet Dr Pepper or alternatives like Coca Cola or root beer also work
• Low sodium brown gravy mix: thickens stew and enriches flavor without making it too salty
• Beefy onion soup mix: adds an umami punch homemade onion soup mix is a great substitute
• Frozen peas: optional add during last hour for color and sweetness or omit if preferred

Instructions

Sear the beef (optional):

If you want extra flavor, heat a skillet with oil and brown the stew beef in batches over medium high heat until crusty on all sides. This step is optional but adds depth.

Prep the vegetables:

Dice the onion, chop carrots and celery, and cut potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Mince garlic.

Combine in the slow cooker:

Place beef, onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes in the slow cooker in one even layer.

Make the flavorful liquid:

In a bowl whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Dr Pepper, brown gravy mix, and beefy onion soup mix until smooth.

Pour and stir:

Pour the liquid mixture over the ingredients inside the slow cooker. Gently stir just once or twice to combine everything without breaking up potatoes.

Cook low and slow:

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until vegetables are tender and beef is falling apart. Resist opening the lid as that steam is vital for tender meat and proper cooking.

Add peas if using:

During the final hour add frozen peas to the stew and cover again to finish cooking.

Adjust thickness (optional):

If broth is too thin for your liking, remove the lid the final 30 to 45 minutes of cooking to thicken. Alternatively, mash a few extra cooked potatoes into the stew at the end.

Serve warm:

Serve warm alongside mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a green salad.

I love how the Dr Pepper adds that secret depth to the stew. My family can never quite put their finger on why the beef is so tender and flavorful. One cozy winter evening stands out when I made this stew during a snowstorm and it felt like the perfect antidote to cold weather blues.

Storage Tips

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container once fully cooled and store in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove. Reheat low and slow to prevent the beef from toughening or potatoes from breaking down too much.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute Dr Pepper with other dark sodas like root beer or Coca Cola or try a mix of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar for the tenderizing and sweetness effect. Swap russet potatoes for baby gold or red potatoes if you want chunks that hold their shape better. Sweet potatoes offer a sweeter alternative. Use water and a bouillon cube if you do not have beef broth handy adjusting salt to taste later on. Replace frozen peas with canned peas or omit completely if you are not a fan.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is fantastic spooned over buttery mashed potatoes or accompanied by warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of the savory broth. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans balances the richness. Garlic breadsticks or soft dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up the stew and rounding out the meal. Perfect for fall and winter when you crave something hearty and warming. In spring or summer, lighten this dish up by adding fresh green peas or green beans during the last hour. Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a mild spicy kick during colder months to warm you up from the inside.

This Crock Pot Dr Pepper Beef Stew is a cozy, hands off meal perfect for cold nights. Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes and enjoy.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Why use Dr Pepper in the stew?

Dr Pepper helps tenderize the beef and adds a complex background flavor without a distinct soda taste.

→ Is browning the meat necessary?

Browning is optional but enhances depth and richness by caramelizing the meat before slow cooking.

→ How can I prevent potatoes from breaking down?

Use Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes and avoid excessive stirring during cooking to keep their shape intact.

→ How do I thicken the stew broth?

Remove the lid toward the end of cooking to reduce liquid or mash a few extra potatoes into the broth for thickness.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, garlic breadsticks, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

→ Can I add other vegetables or spices?

Yes, frozen peas, green beans, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes add texture and mild heat variations.