Hearty Dr Pepper Beef Stew

This Crock Pot Dr Pepper Beef Stew is the perfect comfort meal when you want something hearty and hands off. The combination of tender beef, vegetables, and that unique depth from Dr Pepper cooked low and slow makes for a stew that warms you from the inside out. The soda might sound unusual but it works wonders in tenderizing the meat and adding a subtle sweet complexity that you won't find in regular beef stew recipes.

I first made this stew on a chilly fall day and was instantly hooked. Now it's a go to when I want a cozy meal after a busy week.

Ingredients

• Stew beef: chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking. You can use sirloin for a leaner option
• Onion: diced for sweetness and aroma that softens during cooking
• Carrots: chunked evenly so they cook through without turning mushy
• Russet potatoes: peeled or unpeeled; Yukon Gold or red potatoes work better if you want firmer texture
• Celery: sliced to add subtle earthiness and balance
• Garlic cloves: minced for that savory punch
• Low sodium beef broth: controls saltiness and adds rich beef flavor
• Tomato paste: thickens the stew and adds a slight tang
• Dr Pepper: the secret to tender meat and a unique layered flavor; diet or root beer can be substituted
• Low sodium brown gravy mix: thickens the stew with savory notes without overpowering salt
• Beefy onion soup mix: adds a robust onion and umami kick; try homemade if you want to control salt and additives
• Frozen peas: optional for color and sweetness, or use canned if preferred

Instructions

Sear the beef (optional):

If you want deeper flavor, heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium high and brown the stew beef chunks on all sides for about 4 minutes. This step is optional but adds richness.

Combine ingredients in the slow cooker:

Place the beef, diced onion, carrot chunks, potatoes, and sliced celery into a 6 quart slow cooker.

Whisk the liquid mixture:

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

Pour and stir:

Pour the liquid mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker and gently stir just enough to mix everything. Avoid over stirring.

Cook low and slow:

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours. The stew is ready when the vegetables are tender and the beef is melt in your mouth soft.

Do not open lid repeatedly:

Refrain from opening the slow cooker lid or stirring frequently. Doing so releases heat and extends cooking time while toughening the beef.

Adjust thickness if needed:

To thicken the stew, remove the lid for the last 30 to 45 minutes to allow liquid to reduce or mash a few potatoes into the broth gently.

Serve hot:

Ladle the stew over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or enjoy as is with crusty bread to soak up the juices.

I remember the first time I made this stew for a family gathering. Watching my kids' eyes light up halfway through dinner convinced me that unusual ingredients like soda definitely belong in the kitchen. The balance of sweetness and savory made it a dish we all now crave.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers once completely cooled. Keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove over medium heat to preserve texture. You can also freeze portions in freezer safe bags or containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Dr Pepper, try cola, root beer, or a combination of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar for a similar tenderizing effect and flavor complexity. Sweet potatoes can replace russet potatoes for a sweeter twist. Use a homemade onion soup mix to control salt or substitute with au jus mix if in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is fantastic over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up its savory juices. Serve alongside steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for balance. Fresh dinner rolls or garlic breadsticks are perfect for dipping.

Enjoy this hearty, hands off meal any night of the week. Leftovers make for an easy and delicious lunch.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Why use Dr Pepper in the stew?

Dr Pepper tenderizes the beef during slow cooking and adds subtle complexity without a distinct soda flavor.

→ Should the beef be browned before cooking?

Browning the beef adds deeper flavor but is optional; slow cooking will still yield tender results.

→ How to prevent potatoes from breaking down?

Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes and stir minimally to retain their shape throughout cooking.

→ What thickens the stew broth?

Removing the lid near the end or mashing some potatoes into the broth helps thicken the stew naturally.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, adding peas or green beans toward the end provides texture and color variations.

→ How to store leftover stew?

Store cooled stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.