Let’s be real—this “beef” stew isn’t dragging cows into your kitchen, but it will drag you straight into cozy comfort. With a slow cooker doing all the work (bless), this hearty vegan crockpot stew brings all the depth, warmth, and smug satisfaction of a Sunday roast—minus the moo. Then there’s coffee panna cotta, because ending on a caffeine-spiked, creamy high is peak main character energy. If your life’s chaos but your dinner’s dreamy, you’re doing it right. Now light a candle, pretend you’re in a cabin, and let the crockpot romanticize your life for once.
Crockpot Beef Stew with Coffee Panna Cotta
This plant-based crockpot “beef” stew serves deep, slow-cooked flavor without the guilt, followed by a creamy coffee panna cotta for dessert drama.
Ingredients
Vegan “Beef” Stew:
- 1 package vegan beef chunks 10 oz
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 carrots sliced
- 2 potatoes chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup red wine optional, but encouraged
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for thickening
Coffee Panna Cotta:
- 1 1/2 cups oat milk
- 1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
- 2 tbsp agave syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp agar-agar powder
- Shaved dark chocolate for topping
Instructions
Stew Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, toss in vegan beef, and brown for 3 minutes.
- Remove and set aside, but don’t eat it yet.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add carrots and potatoes. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Transfer veggies and vegan beef to crockpot.
- Pour in broth, wine, tomato paste, soy sauce, spices, and bay leaf.
- Stir and cover. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- In the last 20 minutes, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Remove bay leaf. Taste and season if needed. Serve warm and look proud.
Panna Cotta Steps:
- In a saucepan, whisk oat milk, coffee, agave, and vanilla.
- Sprinkle agar-agar over the mixture and stir well.
- Bring it to a gentle boil, then simmer for 2 minutes.
- Pour into molds and chill in the fridge for 2 hours.
- Garnish with dark chocolate because you’re worth it.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 14g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Iron: 22%
- Calcium: 30%
- Vitamin B6: 18%
- Potassium: 16%
- Magnesium: 15%
Extra Flavor Tips
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the stew for a secret hit of depth.
- Let the panna cotta sit overnight—it’s even silkier the next day.
- Want extra creaminess? Use full-fat coconut milk instead of oat in the dessert.
- Add mushrooms to the stew for more umami drama.
- Serve with crusty bread and zero apologies.
