Why is my stew meat tough in slow cooker

Test your skill with these hearty slow cooker sandwich recipes.

Harvesttime Chicken with Couscous

Even on busy days, I can start this chicken in the slow cooker and still get to work on time. When I come home, I whip up a spinach salad and crescent rolls to round out the menu. —Heidi Rudolph, Oregon, Illinois

Up next: Check out the 80 best slow cooker recipes from Mom's recipe collection.

Slow-Cooked Cranberry Chicken

I wanted to find a creative way to use my leftover cranberries from Thanksgiving dinner. This sounds like an unlikely combination, but the results are incredible! —Lisa Workman, Boones Mill, Virginia

Moroccan Pot Roast

My husband loves meat and I love veggies, so we're both happy with this spicy twist on beefy pot roast. With garbanzo beans, eggplant, honey and mint, it's like something you'd eat at a Marrakech bazaar. —Catherine Dempsey, Clifton Park, New York

Also check out our best slow-cooker recipes of 2021.

Buttermilk-Mushroom Pork Chops

I went through several variations before creating the pork chops my family considers perfect! I wanted something rich, delicious and tasty that was still relatively healthy. This is a delicious Sunday dinner idea because you can pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you are at church! I suggest serving it with salad or grilled asparagus. —Kristin Stone, Little Elm, Texa

Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa

I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket

This slow-cooker beef brisket recipe is so easy to prepare and has been a family favorite for years. I added the fresh mushrooms to give it more flavor. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York

Slow-Cooked Hoisin Pot Roast

One day my husband commented that he loves plums and meat. The next time I put a roast in the slow cooker, I added some plums. He was onto something! This easy Crockpot pot roast recipe is a keeper.—Jackie Cole, Dunnellon, Florida

Shredded Beef Burrito Filling

Make your next office party a taco bar or burrito bar! Set out the beef in the slow cooker on warm, along with tortillas, bowls of shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, and chopped lettuce, jalapenos, onions and tomatoes. For a variation, I make Beef & Bean burritos by mixing a can of refried beans into 3 or 4 cups of cooked beef filling. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio

Slow-Cooker White Chicken Chili

My friend Caroline Gray and I came up with this creamy slow-cooker white chicken chili. It's unusual because it calls for Alfredo sauce. —Cindi Mitchell, St. Marys, Kansas

Slow-Cooker Roast Chicken

It's easy to make a whole chicken in a slow cooker. We save the shredded chicken to use during busy weeks. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Cincinnati Chili Dogs

My in-laws are from Ohio, so we have Cincinnati chili at many of our family gatherings. I spiced up this family classic with cinnamon and cocoa powder and then ladled it over hot dogs. It's perfect for game day, tailgates and potlucks. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

Slow-Cooked Vegetable Curry

I love the fuss-free nature of the slow cooker, but I don't want to sacrifice flavor for convenience. This cozy, spiced-up dish has both. —Susan Smith, Mead, Washington

Slow-Cooker Char Siu Pork

The Asian influence here in the Hawaiian islands inspired my char siu recipe. It’s tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. We make it often so we have leftovers to add to fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii

Saucy Indian-Style Chicken & Vegetables

This Indian-style dish seems to develop a devoted following. Prepared sauce makes it easy to bring the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to your family. Feel free to use more or less tikka masala sauce according to your personal taste. —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

Slow-Cooked Chicken Marbella

This recipe is sweet, briny, savory and herbal, and it packs a big punch of garlic. The Mediterranean flavors make me think of dinner on the patio with family or friends. — Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Slow-Cooker Chicken Bog

Chicken bog is a South Carolina tradition with lots of variations (think herbs, spices and fresh veggies), but the standard ingredients remain: sausage, chicken and rice. This slow-cooked rendition is a simple take on the classic. — Anna Hanson, Spanish Fork, Utah

Meatballs in Honey Buffalo Sauce

My family loves the sweet and spicy combination and declared this recipe an instant favorite just for that reason. The meatballs start sweet but finish with a little heat! —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire

Mexican Turkey Meat Loaf

Here's a zesty, flavorful meat loaf you can really sink your teeth into! Pair this with black beans, rice, green salad with lime vinaigrette or any of your favorite Tex-Mex sides. —Kristen Miller, Glendale, Wisconsin

Squash and Lentil Lamb Stew

My family lived in New Zealand many years ago. Every Sunday my mother made a lamb stew—it was Dad's favorite! I changed the recipe to suit my family's more modern palates, but it still seems just as exotic and delicious. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches

I lived in Florida for a while and loved the pork I ate there, so I started making it for myself. The flavorful meat makes amazing Cuban sandwiches, but you can also use it in traditional pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. —Lacie Griffin, Austin, Texas

Pineapple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

My husband doesn't think it is a meal without meat. I prefer something lighter, so this recipe satisfies us both. You can also roast this in the oven if you're short on time. —Tracy Dalin, Gooding, Idaho

Chinese-Style Ribs

When I was working two jobs, slow cooking was my way of life. Sometimes I had more than one slow cooker going at a time to help me feed my family delicious home-cooked meals. It's nice to walk in after a hard day's work and have dinner ready. I hope you agree these ribs are quick, easy and delicious. Enjoy! —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania

Slow-Cooker Mushroom Beef Stroganoff

I love to make this for my husband and myself to have on a cold night. It warms us right up! Greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream. —Meg Hilton, Atlanta, Georgia

Chicken & Artichoke Lasagna

My family loves lasagna and I love the slow cooker. I wanted to try something a little different from the classic lasagna we usually make. This recipe not only tastes incredible, it's hearty and convenient, too. —Kelly Silvers, Edmond, Oklahoma

Italian Turkey Meatballs

What's not to love about moist and tender homemade Italian meatballs? Because they're made with lean turkey, they're lower in saturated fat, too! —Mary Berg, Lake Elmo, Minnesota

Slow Cooker Jerked Short Ribs

Sweet and spicy jerk seasonings give these saucy ribs an unforgettable taste! They're great in the summer because they don't heat up the kitchen. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Meat Loaf & Mashed Red Potatoes

Satisfy the meat-and-potatoes eaters in your house with this satisfying dish that all cooks up in one pot! Talk about classic comfort food. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California

Saucy Chicken & Tortellini

This heartwarming dish is something I threw together years ago for my oldest daughter. When she's having a rough day, I put on the slow cooker and prepare this special recipe. —Mary Morgan, Dallas, Texas

Easy Slow-Cooked Pork Tenderloin

I find that simple dinners are the best comfort foods that my family of seven really desires. Simple, good ingredients are the key to my success in the kitchen. Three ingredients poured over the pork and—voila!—the most mouthwatering pork you have ever tasted! —Grace Neltner, Lakeside Park, Kentucky

Sausage and Kraut Buns

This recipe has become a regular at our church potlucks. Let's just say I'm in trouble if I show up at a get-together and they don't appear! For a fun dinner spin, try these sausage and kraut sandwiches over mashed potatoes. —Patsy Unruh, Perryton, Texas

Lemon Chicken with Basil

No matter when I eat it, this tangy slow-cooked chicken reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Slow-Cooker Memphis-Style Ribs

After my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous Restaurant in Memphis, I was inspired to create a slow-cooked version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor that the ribs would get from being grilled over hot coals. —Matthew Hass, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

Tarragon Chicken

I tried this dish one night when I had friends coming over for dinner and was pleased with how fresh-tasting it was. Serve it with crusty French bread to soak up all the delectable sauce. —Shanelle Lee, Ephrata, Pennsylvania

Root Vegetable Pot Roast

During the hectic holiday season, I make this roast a lot. We've scarfed it down before and after shopping, and while wrapping presents. Root vegetables and roast beef make everyone feel cozy and calm. —Pat Dazis, Charlotte, North Carolina

Moo Shu Lettuce Cups

I took ordinary ground beef and turned it into a new classic. With sweet and savory flavors, this dish will be a dinnertime favorite. We love this served in flour tortillas, too! —Christine Keating, Norwalk, California

BBQ Chicken & Smoked Sausage

My party-ready barbecue recipe works like a dream for weeknights, too. With just a few minutes of prep time, you still get that low-and-slow flavor everybody craves (thanks, slow cooker!). Throw in minced jalapenos for extra oomph. —Kimberly Young, Mesquite, Texas

Sicilian Meat Sauce

People have told me this is better than the gravy their Sicilian grandmothers used to make. But don’t tell the old generation that! —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia

Garlic Chicken & Broccoli

This simple riff on Chinese chicken proves you can savor the takeout taste you crave while still eating right. —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin

Buffalo Pulled Chicken

This slow cooker dump dinner is one of my go-to's. The lighter chicken is a nice alternative to pulled pork. —Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Pot Roast with Asian Black Bean Sauce

I love stir-fry with black bean sauce. This recipe takes the delicious flavor of black bean sauce and joins it with fork-tender pot roast. —Judy Lawson, Chelsea, Michigan

Slow-Cooker Beef Tips Burgundy

Here's a heartwarming classic that's so simple in the slow cooker. Mushrooms, red wine and tender beef make for an easy, elegant supper. —Deanna Zewen, Union Grove, Wisconsin

Cabbage Roll Stew

A head of cabbage seems like it never ends. Here's a delicious way to use it up. My husband is this stew's biggest fan. —Pamela Kennemer, Sand Springs, Oklahoma

Slow-Cooker Faux Prime Rib Roast

This is my first original recipe, inspired by a great holiday dinner with friends. I wanted to see if I could do something similar with a less expensive cut of meat. The Faux Prime Rib Roast can also be baked in a covered Dutch oven at 350° for about 1-1/2 hours or until 165°. The beef is also delicious served with regular or horseradish mashed potatoes. —Kimberly Kuhlman, Bryan, Texas

Carrie's Cincinnati Chili

Every time we have a gathering or company, folks request this. My husband convinced me to enter it in a local chili contest, and I won third place! It's quick and easy. If I don't have fresh garlic, I use minced garlic from a jar. —Carrie Birdsall, Dallas, Georgia

Slow-Cooker Stuffed Shells

There's no need to precook the shells in this simple pasta dish. It's almost like magic when you open the lid and find the deliciousness waiting in the slow cooker. Add garlic bread and you're golden! —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan

Beef Brisket Tacos

Birthday parties back home were big gatherings of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and anyone else we considered family. As soon as guests arrived, hot pans of shredded brisket, or carne deshebrada, appeared, along with frijoles, tostadas, salsas and huge bowls of salad. Brisket was the dish we always counted on because it could be made in the oven or a slow cooker. —Yvette Marquez, Littleton, Colorado Muy Bueno Recipes + Stories

Slow-Cooked Mesquite Ribs

When we're missing the grill during winter, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue taste we love. They're so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan

Korean Pulled Pork Tacos

I created this unique pulled pork recipe so we could replicate our favorite food truck tacos at home. They're a little sweet, a little spicy and totally delicious any time of year. —Julie Orr, Fullerton, California

Cube Steaks with Gravy

Cube steaks and gravy are a hearty home-style dinner your family will love after a busy day. The slow-cooked beef is wonderful served over mashed potatoes or noodles. —Judy Long, Limestone, Tennessee

Herbed Slow-Cooker Chicken

I use my slow cooker to prepare these well-seasoned chicken breasts that cook up moist and tender. My daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with, shared this great recipe with me several years ago. I now rely on cooking chicken in a Crock Pot many days a week.—Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana

Stephanie’s Slow-Cooker Stew

Start this warming one-pot meal before you head out for the day. By the time you get home, the well-seasoned meat will be tender and mouthwatering. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, Cincinnati, Ohio

Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak

After a long day working in our greenhouse raising bedding plants, I enjoy coming in to this hearty beef dish for supper. It's one of my favorite meals. — Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pot Roast

Slow-simmered and seasoned with rosemary, mustard and thyme, this tender and tasty crock pot roast and potatoes recipe is so easy to make and always a hit. Substitute burgundy or brandy plus a half-cup of water for the broth…the aroma of this English roast recipe is wonderful! —Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Vegetarian Tortilla Lasagna

You won't miss the meat in this savory delight. The layered main course is as tasty as it is impressive. Serve warm wedges alongside tortilla chips or a green salad.—Connie L McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware

Slow-Cooker Malaysian Chicken

Malaysian food has influences from the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Thai, British and Portuguese. In this dish, Asian ingredients combine for maximum flavor and sweet potatoes thicken the sauce as the meal slowly cooks. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Slow-Cooked Lentil Stew

This vegetarian stew is perfect when you want to take a break from meat. Adding the cream at the end gives it a smoother texture.—Michelle Collins, Suffolk Virginia

Za'atar Chicken

It's hard to find a dinner that both my husband and kids will enjoy—and even harder to find one that's fast and easy. This is it! No matter how much I make of this dish, every morsel is eaten. —Esther Erani, Brooklyn, New York

Teriyaki Beef Roast

My father and I created this pot roast with a hint of Japanese flair. It will make your taste buds dance! try this for family or company. —Mary Flurkey, Golden, Colorado

Bayou Gulf Shrimp Gumbo

This recipe skips the traditional hard-to-find spices yet still delivers the true seafood flavor that’s beloved in the Louisiana bayou. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida

Country Bacon-Beef Mac and Cheese

This extra-meaty mac and cheese is easy to make in the slow cooker. Kids love it, and I like that I can sneak in some veggies. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Tacos

I wanted to try a different take on taco night and decided on a barbecue theme. Even my father enjoyed this meal, and he doesn’t usually care for tacos. —LaDale Hymer, Cleveland, Oklahoma

Green Chile Adobado Poutine

This Canadian comfort-food classic is even better when served southwestern-style as either an appetizer or an entree. Although these ribs are done without fuss in a slow cooker, you can also bake them at 325°, covered with foil, for about 45 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Chicken Chop Suey with a Twist

If you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a great way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty and traditional, and easy, too!

Slow-Cooked Beef Burritos with Green Chiles

I created this recipe years ago, and it has become such a favorite that the wonderful aroma of it cooking makes my family instantly happy. It is hearty, flavorful and easy to prepare, and it uses the long, slow cook that truly defines comfort food. —Sally Pahler, Palisade, Colorado

Pork Chops and Beans

This hearty combination of tender pork chops and two kinds of beans makes a satisfying supper from the slow cooker in summer or winter," assures Dorothy Pritchett of Wills Point, Texas.

Slow-Cooker Short Rib Ragu over Pappardelle

An irresistible sauce gives this beef another dimension of flavor. Nearly any starchy side, such as potatoes or polenta, will work in place of the pasta. Short ribs are my crowd-pleaser weekend meal for all occasions. —Missy Raho, Morristown, New Jersey

Brazilian Pork & Black Bean Stew

During high school, I spent a year in Brazil and fell in love with the culture and food. One of my favorite dishes was feijoada, a chili/stew served over white rice. I introduced this easy recipe to my family, and it has become one of our favorite comfort foods. —Andrea Romanczyk, Magna, Utah

Ancient Grain Beef Stew

My version of beef stew is comfort food with a healthy twist. I use lentils and red quinoa rather than potatoes. If leftover stew seems too thick, add more beef stock when reheating. —Margaret Roscoe, Keystone Heights, Florida

Beef Daube Provencal

This dish is perfect on cold winter days, especially after we have been out cutting wood or white-tail hunting. If you are lucky enough to have venison, try it here for melt-in-your-mouth goodness. —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri

Slow-Cooked Pizzaiola Meat Loaf

I like to add Italian Castelvetrano olives to the meat loaf mixture in this recipe. They're bright green, very mild and fruity, and are available in the deli section of the grocery store. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Slow-Cooked Mexican Meat Loaf

Chopped onion and garlic plus spicy seasonings add outstanding flavor to this attractive round loaf. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Saucy Raspberry Chicken

I first had this as a teenage babysitter, when the children’s mom prepared it for us to eat while she was out. The kids loved it, and so did I! Now I make it for my own kids.

Sauerbraten Soup

Sauerbraten and soup are both family favorites. This combines the two, without the long marinating time the traditional beef dish requires. You can substitute spaetzle or gnocchi for the egg noodles. —Jennifer Yerkes, Franklin Square, New York

Ham 'n' Swiss Chicken

This saucy casserole allows you to enjoy all the rich, traditional flavor of Cordon Bleu with less effort. It's a snap to layer the ingredients and let them cook all afternoon. Just toss a salad to make this meal complete. —Dorothy Witmer Ephrata, Pennsylvania

Does stew meat get more tender the longer you cook it?

Can you overcook stew meat in a slow cooker?

Does meat get more tender the longer it cooks in a slow cooker?

How do you make tough beef stew tender?