Slow Cooker Veal Stew Recipe : Tender, Rich & Comforting

Craving a cozy, comforting dinner that practically cooks itself? My Slow Cooker Veal Stew Recipe is the ultimate hearty meal for chilly days or when you want something warm and satisfying. Made with tender veal shoulder, carrots, onions, garlic, and flavorful herbs, this stew is slow-cooked to perfection. The veal becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the rich tomato and broth-based sauce infuses every bite with deep, savoury flavour.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or want a dish that reheats beautifully for the week ahead, this crockpot veal stew is the answer. It’s simple, delicious, and makes your kitchen smell incredible while it simmers away.

Preparation Steps

Preparing this Slow Cooker Veal Stew Recipe is easy and doesn’t require much hands-on time. The key is in the layering of flavours, browning the meat, sautéing the vegetables, and letting the slow cooker work its magic.

Step 1: Coat the Veal

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Lightly dredge the cubed veal shoulder in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This coating helps lock in flavour and also slightly thickens the stew as it cooks.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Grease a large non-stick skillet with a small amount of oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the floured veal cubes and brown them on all sides for 3–4 minutes. Browning is optional, but I highly recommend it because it deepens the flavour and adds a delicious richness to the stew.

Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place the baby carrots at the base of your slow cooker, then add the browned veal cubes on top. This layering ensures the vegetables cook evenly while the meat stays tender.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they are softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer them to the slow cooker over the veal and carrots.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pan

Pour the beef broth into the skillet and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom; these bits are pure flavour! Once combined, pour this mixture into the slow cooker.

Step 6: Add Seasonings & Tomatoes

Stir in the ground sage, dried oregano, and the can of diced tomatoes (with juice). Mix everything gently so the flavours combine.

Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low heat for 4–6 hours, or until the veal is fork-tender and the carrots are soft. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, but the longer the stew simmers, the richer the flavour becomes.

Serving the Slow Cooker Veal Stew

Once your veal stew is ready, give it a gentle stir before serving. The sauce will be rich, savoury, and filled with tender chunks of veal and sweet carrots.

I love serving this hearty stew with:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the flavorful broth.
  
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of the delicious sauce.
  
• Steamed Rice or Egg Noodles: A classic way to make it a complete, filling meal.
  
• Fresh Parsley Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens up the dish and adds a pop of colour

Cooking Tips

1. Brown the Veal First: While you can skip this step, browning the veal before slow cooking adds depth of flavour that makes a huge difference.
   
2. Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Fresh oregano or sage can elevate the stew’s taste, but dried herbs work well if that’s what you have.
   
3. Make it Thicker: If you prefer a thicker stew, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
   
4. Taste Before Serving: Slow cooking can mellow flavours, urs so taste the broth before serving and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce if needed.

Variations

• Add Potatoes: For an all-in-one meal, add cubed potatoes to the slow cooker along with the carrots.
  
• Wine Lover’s Twist: Replace half the beef broth with dry red wine for a richer, more robust flavour
  
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in mushrooms, celery, or parsnips for extra nutrition and variety.
  
• Mediterranean Style: Add olives and fresh rosemary for a different spin on the classic veal stew.
  

This stew is versatile, hearty, and customizable, perfect for adapting to your family’s preferences.

Storage Instructions

How to Keep Veal Stew Fresh

After cooking, let the stew cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavour actually deepens on the next day, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing Slow Cooker Veal Stew

This veal stew also freezes beautifully. Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating Tips

When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water if the stew seems too thick. Warm over medium-low heat until everything is heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What cut of veal is best for slow cooker stew?

I recommend using veal shoulder roast because it has the right amount of fat and connective tissue. When slow-cooked, it becomes tender and flavorful without drying out.

2. Do I need to brown the veal before putting it in the slow cooker?

Browning is optional, but I always do it. Browning adds a rich, deep flavour that you won’t get from slow cooking alone. It only takes a few minutes and makes a big difference.

3. Can I make this veal stew ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, veal stew tastes even better the next day after flavours have had time to meld. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

4. How can I thicken my veal stew?

Suppose you prefer a thick consistency, mix one tablespoon of flour with two tablespoons of water and stir it into the stew during the last 20 minutes of cooking. It will give you a silky, thicker broth.

5. Can I add potatoes to this veal stew?

Absolutely. Potatoes make this a complete one-pot meal. Add them in with the carrots so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.

6. What can I serve with slow cooker veal stew?

This stew is delicious over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. A side of crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.

7. Can I substitute veal with another meat?

Yes! If veal isn’t available, you can substitute it with beef stew meat, lamb, or even pork shoulder. Cooking time and method remain the same.

8. How long should I cook veal stew in the slow cooker?

Cook on low heat for 4–6 hours, or until the veal is fork-tender and the carrots are soft. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 2–3 hours.

Conclusion

Making this Slow Cooker Veal Stew Recipe is like giving yourself a gift, minimal effort for maximum comfort. With tender veal, hearty vegetables, and a rich tomato broth, it’s a dish that feels both rustic and elegant. I love how the slow cooker does all the hard work, filling the house with irresistible aromas while I go about my day.

Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a thick slice of crusty bread, this stew is guaranteed to warm hearts and bellies. And the best part? It stores and reheats beautifully, making it just as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for Sunday family dinners.

So, grab your slow cooker, cube up some veal, and let this cozy stew become a regular favourite at your table. Trust me, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again.