Slow Cooker Beef Eggplant Stew

I'm definitely a fan of those slow cooker meals where you just dump everything into the slow cooker, set it, leave, and come back to deliciousness. But I'd also always heard if you browned the meat first, it'd bring an additional deepness and complexity to the flavor profile.

Well, only one way to find out - experimentation!

I went ahead and browned the beef before placing it into the slow cooker. And then, since I already had a pot out, I figured I might as well cook up the seasonings too. Then, into the slow cooker it all goes! However, instead of putting everything into the slow cooker like usual, I was a bit concerned the eggplant would get too mushy, so I added it later.

Would I make this slow cooker beef eggplant stew this way again? Maybe, but not if I'm looking for a slow cooker recipe. While the flavor of this dish significantly improved compared to my usual dump, set, and return method, I'm still a fan of its simplicity. I might make this recipe again if I've got more time (and planned ahead). To modify this dish for my usual dump, set, and eat method, I'd mix the flour with stock first, and then into the pot it all goes! Out comes a richly flavorful, slow cooker beef eggplant stew!

What about you - do you prefer browning your meats before using a slow cooker or throwing everything in at once?

Slow Cooker Beef Eggplant Stew

by CJ Huang

Thick and savory - you'll want to try this flavorful slow cooker beef eggplant stew flavored with garlic, thyme, and onions.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 6 hours
Total time: 365 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Materials:

Mass	Weight	Volume	Number	Material	Notes
473 grams	16.75 ounces	3.5 cups	2	onions, diced
466 grams	16.375 ounces	2 cups		beef stock
30 grams	1.125 ounces	1/4 cup		flour
447 grams	15.75 ounces	3.5 cups	5	carrots, chopped
348 grams	12.25 ounces	4 cups	2	eggplants, chopped
		1 tablespoon	3 cloves	garlic, minced
			4	bay leaves
		2 teaspoons		thyme
454 grams	1 pound			beef, chunked

Methods:

	1. Gather all materials.
	2. (optional) Brown beef in a bit of oil, then transfer to slow cooker.
	3. (optional) Brown onions in same pot used to brown beef. Add in garlic and thyme, then transfer to slow cooker.
	4. Pour stock into same pot, and mix in flour.
	5. Combine all materials in slow cooker. (Eggplant optional.)
	6. Stir in eggplant about 1-2 hours before mealtime (if not added in Step 5). Continue to cook in slow cooker until mealtime.