Chunky beef recipes that are sure to impress

Chunky beef comes from one of the most succulent cuts of all ⁠— chuck roast. Cut from the shoulder and full of marbling, chuck roast works well with slow cooking which gently breaks down the fiber and fats, yielding fork-tender, lusciously moist, bite-size pieces of beef that define the term "melt in your mouth." You can also successfully use rump roasts, round roasts and pot roasts for chunky beef recipes. These are all economical cuts that transform into million-dollar meals full of flavor and nutrition when paired with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

Cutting and trimming your own beef into uniform one-inch chunks guarantees no gristle, which you sometimes find in pre-cut, pre-packaged stew meat. Don't trim all the fat ⁠— that's what melts during the slow cooking and creates that rich broth no one can get enough of. Leftovers are rare but will quickly disappear, as the flavors get better after a night or two marrying in the refrigerator.

Slow cooker chunky beef and potato stew
Tossing the beef chunks in flour before adding them to the pot ensures a rich gravy at serving time. Every bite bursts with flavors of onion, carrots, potatoes and garlic that complement the tender morsels of beef. A loaf of crusty bread on the side makes sopping up the gravy easy and gratifying. Get the recipe here.

Slow cooker chunky beef and mushroom pie
The textural treasures are what make pot pies so desirable. Flaky crust paired with hearty vegetables bathed in heavenly gravy is an irresistible culinary combination. Choose a delicate puff pastry crust, a mile-high biscuit topping, or go truly traditional with a standard pie crust on the top and bottom. Get the recipe here.

Slow cooker chunky beef chili
This bean-free chili bursts with the flavors of crushed tomatoes and healthy doses of chili powder, cumin, paprika and oregano. Topping each serving with freshly shredded cheese, cool sour cream, piquant freshly chopped onions, spicy salsa, and crunchy tortilla chips results in a most memorable bowl of red. A bowl of beans on the table guarantees everyone's satisfaction. Get the recipe here.

Slow cooker chunky beef, cabbage and tomato soup
This robust soup gets better over time, so it's ideal for make-ahead meals you prepare on a weekend. The Worcestershire sauce infuses the dish with hints of tantalizing umami taste, and beef bouillon cubes ensure a blissful broth. Browning the beef cubes right before adding the remaining ingredients caramelizes their surface, adding an extra layer of mesmerizing flavor. Get the recipe here.

Slow cooker chunky beef and gnocchi soup
Adding miniature potato gnocchi to this soup right before serving adds that touch of palate-pleasing starch typically provided by potatoes. Cooking the gnocchi separately ensures it maintains its texture and taste. Leftovers freeze well for quick fix lunches and last-minute suppers. Just be sure you have extra gnocchi in the freezer to finish off each serving. Get the recipe here.

Slow cooker chunky beef carbonnade soup
Many cooks have made beef stew or beef soup with red wine as an ingredient. Carbonnade substitutes beer for the wine in the recipe, adding a unique flavor profile that makes the tastes of the vegetables and spices pop. For deepest flavor and best results, choose a hearty ale or dark brew, and serve the remaining bottles with the meal. Get the recipe here.

Slow cooker chunky beef stroganoff
Creamy beef stroganoff served on a bed of al dente egg noodles never fails to please at the end of the day. A single tablespoon of Dijon mustard elevates the sauce with a touch of tanginess. Cream cheese melted into the broth ensures a silky sauce without making a roux or adding heavy cream to the pot. Get the recipe here.