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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Beef Stew

A cozy slow cooker beef stew with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a splash of Dr. Pepper that creates a rich, savory gravy with just a hint of sweetness. Easy comfort food with a surprising twist.
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A plate of mashed potatoes topped with beef stew, garnished with parsley, beside sliced bread and a can of Dr Pepper on a red checkered cloth.
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Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:4 hours
Total Time:4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2-3 pounds stew beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 carrots cut into chunks
  • 3 russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 stalks of celery sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 14.5 ounce can beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup Dr. Pepper
  • 2 (0.87 ounce) envelope low sodium brown gravy mix
  • 1 ounce packet beefy onion soup mix

Instructions

  • Step 1: Add the beef and vegetables - Add the stew beef, diced onion, carrots, potatoes, and celery directly into the slow cooker. Spread everything out evenly so the vegetables cook at the same rate.
  • Step 2: Mix the gravy base - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Dr. Pepper, brown gravy mixes, and beefy onion soup mix. Take a minute to really whisk it well so there are no lumps.
  • Step 3: Combine everything - Pour the liquid mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Gently stir just until everything is coated. No need to overdo it.
  • Step 4: Cook low and slow - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. The stew is ready when the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.
  • Step 5: Serve and enjoy - Give the stew a gentle stir, ladle it into bowls, and serve hot. This is one of those meals that does not need much else to feel complete.

Notes

Tips, Tricks & Storage

Cook on Low: Use the slow cooker's low setting so the flavors deepen gradually. If it seems a bit thick or overly reduced, stir in extra broth or a splash of Dr. Pepper just before serving to bring back a silky consistency.
Brown Beforehand: If you have time, sear the beef cubes first. This extra step adds a richer flavor to the final dish.
Rest Before Serving: Let the stew sit for 10–15 minutes off the heat. The broth will settle, flavors will meld further, and you'll get a better texture in each spoonful.
Add Delicate Veggies Late: If you decide to add other veggies, like peas or green beans, toss them in during the last hour so they stay bright and crisp rather than turning mushy.
Storage & Reheating: Transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Rewarm gently over low heat, adding a little liquid if it gets thick. Portions freeze well, too. Just thaw overnight and reheat to preserve texture. *Pro Tip* You can also freeze single servings for work lunches. You can microwave on low straight from frozen if you're in a rush.
Variations: This stew is easy to customize. If you like mushrooms, toss in sliced mushrooms during the last half of cooking. Prefer a heartier version? Add chunked potatoes, parsnips, or turnips. For a lighter take, use lean beef, or substitute part of the beef with sausage for a textural contrast. You can replace part of the Dr. Pepper with beef broth and add a touch of vinegar to reduce the soda flavor. Boost the aroma with extra garlic, herbs, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Bowls of this stew over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles make the perfect finish.

Substitutions

Trying to work with what's in your fridge? Here are some easy swaps that still deliver outstanding results.
Stew Beef  → Chuck Roast
Use a chuck roast cut into chunks, or even sliced sirloin for a slightly leaner option. As long as the cut is suited to low, slow cooking, it will break down beautifully.
Dr. Pepper → Cola, Root Beer, or Balsamic Vinegar + Brown Sugar
Dr. Pepper has that special cherry cola taste, but if you want to try another variety, root beer or regular cola make good options as well. A splash of balsamic vinegar with brown sugar also works if you want to skip soda entirely.
Beef Broth → Vegetable Broth or Beef Bouillon Cube
Mix the beef bouillon cube with water before adding it. These maintain the savory base.
Gravy or Soup Mix → If you don't have a brown gravy mix, substitute with a packet of au jus mix or homemade gravy if needed. Any packet of onion soup mix will also work fine if you don't have a beefy flavor available.

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Servings: 6 servings
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