How to Thicken Beef Stew in Slow Cooker: Tips for Delicious, Hearty Results

ByAmelia Ellis Updated

How to Thicken Beef Stew in Slow Cooker?

To thicken beef stew in a slow cooker, there are a few methods you can try.

One option is to coat the meat in flour before browning it, which will help thicken the stew as it cooks.

Another method is to make a slurry by whisking flour with cold water and adding it to the stew while it cooks.

Alternatively, you can mix cornflour with water and add it to the stew, then boil until the desired thickness is reached.

If you prefer to avoid using flour or cornflour, you can simmer the sauce over heat, uncovered, to evaporate excess liquid.

For slow cooker stews, you may also consider transferring the sauce to a saucepan to thicken with a flour or cornflour slurry, or reducing the sauce separately.

Key Points:

  • Coat the meat in flour before browning to thicken the stew in the slow cooker
  • Make a slurry with flour and water and add it to the stew while it cooks
  • Mix cornflour with water and add it to the stew, then boil until desired thickness is reached
  • Simmer the sauce over heat, uncovered, to evaporate excess liquid
  • Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and thicken with a flour or cornflour slurry
  • Reduce the sauce separately to thicken the stew in the slow cooker

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that adding a tablespoon of instant mashed potatoes to your slow cooker beef stew can help thicken the sauce? The starch in the potatoes absorbs excess moisture, resulting in a richer and thicker stew!

2. A surprising thickening agent for beef stew is crushed crackers! Adding a handful of crushed saltine crackers to the slow cooker not only adds a subtle saltiness but also helps absorb some of the liquid, giving your stew a heartier consistency.

3. For a unique way to thicken your beef stew, consider using ground oatmeal. By grinding oats into a fine powder and adding it to the slow cooker, you’ll give your stew a velvety texture while enhancing its nutritional value with fiber and nutrients.

4. If you’re looking to thicken your beef stew without altering its flavor, try arrowroot powder. Derived from the rhizomes of several tropical plants, this natural thickening agent works wonders in slow-cooked dishes and provides a glossy finish to the sauce.

5. Gelatin might not be something you immediately associate with beef stew, but it can be a surprisingly effective thickener. Dissolve a small amount of unflavored gelatin in a bit of water and add it to your slow cooker. As it cools, the gelatin sets, creating a thicker and more cohesive stew.

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1. Too Much Liquid In Slow Cooker Stew

Slow cookers are a great tool for making flavorful and tender beef stew. However, sometimes they can result in too much liquid, which can dilute the flavors and make the stew watery instead of rich and hearty. Fortunately, there are a few simple techniques you can use to remedy this issue:

  • First, consider thickening agents such as flour or cornstarch. Mix a small amount of either one with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before the end of cooking time. This will help thicken the liquid and create a more desirable consistency.

  • Another option is to remove the lid of the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. This allows some of the excess liquid to evaporate and helps the stew thicken naturally.

  • If you’re in a hurry, you can transfer the stew to a stovetop pan and simmer it on low heat for a short period. This will give the stew a chance to reduce and concentrate the flavors without overcooking the ingredients.

Remember, it’s important to use these techniques judiciously, as you don’t want to end up with a stew that is too thick or too concentrated in flavor. By making a few adjustments along the way, you can ensure your slow cooker beef stew turns out perfectly rich and delicious.

“A slower cooker is the antidote to fast food. It is a way to fit in your lifestyle and provide your family with a delicious meal.” – Jens Lindberg

2. Using Flour To Thicken Stew

One popular method to thicken beef stew in a slow cooker is by using flour. There are two ways to do this:

  • Coat the meat in flour before browning it. This creates a crust on the meat that helps thicken the sauce as it cooks.

  • Make a slurry by whisking flour with cold water and adding it to the stew while it is cooking. This method thickens the sauce without affecting the flavor or texture of the stew.

3. Using Cornflour To Thicken Stew

Another option for thickening beef stew is to use cornflour, also known as cornstarch. There are two ways to do this.

  1. Mix cornflour with water and add it to the stew, then boil it until the desired thickness is reached. This method works well if you prefer a thicker stew.

  2. Add cornstarch towards the end of cooking. This method is best if you prefer a slightly thinner stew.

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Remember to adjust the amount of cornflour or cornstarch based on the quantity of stew you are making.

By using cornflour or cornstarch, you can easily achieve the desired consistency for your beef stew. Happy cooking!

  • Mix cornflour with water and boil it for thicker stew
  • Add cornstarch towards the end for slightly thinner stew

4. Evaporating Excess Liquid Without Flour Or Cornflour

If you prefer not to use flour or cornflour to thicken your stew, there is another option. You can simmer the sauce over heat, uncovered, to evaporate the excess liquid. This method requires a bit more time and attention, but it can be a great alternative for those who are looking for a natural way to thicken their stew without using any thickening agents.

  • Simmer the sauce over heat, uncovered.
  • Allow the excess liquid to evaporate naturally.
  • Requires more time and attention.
  • Natural way to thicken stew without thickening agents.

5. Thickening Options For Slow Cooker Stews

When it comes to thickening options for slow cooker stews, there are a few alternatives to consider. In addition to flour and cornflour, you can use pureed starchy vegetables like potatoes, winter squash, or celeriac as a natural thickening agent. These vegetables not only add thickness to the stew but also contribute to its flavor and nutrition.

Additionally, for BBQ sauce, you can thicken it by cooking it down on low heat until it is reduced substantially. If you need a quicker fix, you can mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the sauce for thickening.

For tomato sauce, adding tomato paste, sugar, honey, or mashed cooked potatoes can help thicken it.

To thicken gravy, you can use flour blended with cold water or cornstarch mixed with cold water.

6. Patience Is Key: Thickening Without Agents In Slow Cooker

Sometimes, the best way to thicken sauces and stews in a slow cooker is simply to be patient. Slow cooker recipes take longer to cook compared to stovetop cooking, but with patience, you can achieve thick and flavorful results without the need for thickening agents.

One technique is to add one tablespoon of your chosen thickening ingredient at a time until the desired consistency is reached. You can also try adding mashed cooked potatoes and whisking them into the sauce to add body, flavor, and thickness. If desired, Worcestershire sauce can be stirred in for an added boost of flavor. For gluten-free alternatives to flour or cornstarch, arrowroot powder can be used.

  • Be patient when thickening sauces and stews in a slow cooker
  • Add thickening ingredients gradually
  • Use mashed cooked potatoes to add body and thickness
  • Consider adding Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor
  • Arrowroot powder is a gluten-free alternative to flour or cornstarch.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my beef stew thicker?

To make your beef stew thicker, one method is to toss the meat pieces in cornstarch instead of flour before browning. Cornstarch has a stronger thickening power and can contribute to a desired consistency. Another solution is to add a starchy vegetable like potatoes or carrots to your stew. These vegetables release natural starches as they cook, helping to thicken the overall dish. Additionally, you can simmer the stew uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and result in a thicker gravy-like consistency.

How long does it take to thicken stew in a slow cooker?

Thickening stew in a slow cooker with the addition of a slurry typically takes about 30 minutes. This allows enough time for the raw flour in the slurry to cook and bind with the liquid, resulting in a thickened and flavorful stew. By adding the slurry towards the end of the cooking process, you ensure that the stew reaches the desired consistency without overcooking the other ingredients.

Do things thicken in slow cooker?

One of the main advantages of using a slow cooker is the ability to create flavorful stews with minimal effort. However, the low heat and tightly fitting lid of a slow cooker can often result in a thinner sauce. While this prevents the sauce from naturally thickening through reduction, there are alternative methods to achieve the desired consistency. One approach is to add a thickening agent, such as a slurry made from cornstarch or flour, towards the end of the cooking process. This allows the sauce to thicken without sacrificing the convenience of using a slow cooker.

What if my slow cooker has too much liquid?

Adding too much liquid to your slow cooker can result in an overly watery dish. The excessive heat will cause condensation, which will drip back into the recipe and dilute its flavors. To avoid this, it is advisable to ladle out the excess liquid before cooking, ensuring a more concentrated and flavorful outcome.