Pork Free Crockpot Beef Barbacoa Stew

Total time8 hr 50 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time30 min

4.6

(20)

Slow-cooked beef stew doesn't get much more satisfying than this — deeply browned chuck roast braised low and slow until it practically falls apart at the touch of a fork. The braising liquid is where the real magic happens, layering aromatics like fresh ginger, smashed garlic, and ground turmeric with warm Ceylon cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and coconut aminos for a rich, complex flavor that tastes like it took far more effort than it did. Hearty chunks of sweet potato and carrot soak up all of that savory liquid as they cook, turning the whole pot into a complete, nourishing meal. Every ingredient here is straightforwardly beef and produce-based, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden pork-derived additives sneaking into your bowl. The coconut oil sear at the start builds a gorgeous crust on the meat that pays off in deep, meaty flavor throughout the finished stew. Finish each bowl with a handful of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime to brighten everything up — it's a small step that makes a big difference.

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Ingredients

6 servings

For the beef

3 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 3-inch chunks
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp coconut oil

For the braising liquid

1 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
6 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
1 tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp coconut aminos
2 cups bone broth
2 bay leaves

For the stew

3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 ½-inch chunks

For serving

¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)

Instructions

1
Pat the beef chunks dry with paper towels and season all over with the salt. Heat the coconut oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in two batches to avoid crowding, sear the beef on two sides until deeply browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker insert.
2
Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the turmeric, Ceylon cinnamon, oregano, and thyme and cook for 30 seconds, until the spices are fragrant and evenly coat the aromatics.

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