Slow Cooker Harissa Beef Stew with Chickpeas
A hearty and spicy beef stew slow-cooked with North African harissa, tender chickpeas, and aromatic spices for a warming meal. This african-inspired beef ready in about 440 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, harissa paste, large, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 large, diced onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, canned and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 lbs beef chuck cubes seasoned with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, searing for 3-4 minutes per side until browned all over.
- Step 2: Transfer the beef to a slow cooker and add 1 large diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 cups beef broth, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, and 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas. Mix gently.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Step 5: Stir before serving and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve over couscous or rice if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Harissa Beef Stew with Chickpeas take to make?
Total time is about 440 minutes (20 min prep + 420 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Harissa Beef Stew with Chickpeas?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep harissa paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Harissa Beef Stew with Chickpeas?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Harissa Beef Stew with Chickpeas for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Harissa Beef Stew with Chickpeas?
African beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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