Rich, tomato-based beef stew with sweet potatoes and golden apricot halves, served in a rustic bowl and topped with fresh chopped parsley.


When life gets hectic but you still want to put something warm and nourishing on the table, the slow cooker can be your best friend. This Sweet Potato & Apricot Beef Stew is a comforting, slightly sweet, spiced dish that simmers all day while you go about your business. By the time dinner rolls around, your kitchen will smell like pure home-cooked goodness.

What makes this stew truly unique is its blend of Italian-style tomatoes, sweet potatoes, warm spices, and dried apricots—a combination that brings bold flavor and a hint of sweetness to balance the richness of beef. And best of all? It requires just 15 minutes of prep and then the slow cooker does the rest.

Time & Yield

  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes

  • Start to Finish: 8 Hours 15 Minutes

  • Servings: 6

This stew is perfect for meal prep, a cozy family dinner, or entertaining guests on a chilly day.

Ingredients – No Changes, Just Pure Flavor

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this dish. All ingredients are kept just as originally written:

  • 1 lb boneless beef chuck flatiron steak, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

  • 1 teaspoon olive or vegetable oil

  • 3 cups 1-inch pieces peeled sweet potatoes

  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic

  • 2 whole cloves

  • 1 dried bay leaf

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1 large onion, cut into eighths

  • 1 can (28 oz) Italian-style tomatoes, undrained

  • 8 dried apricots, cut in half

  • Chopped fresh parsley, if desired

This flavorful mix of ingredients delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spiced. The cinnamon and cloves add subtle warmth, while the tomatoes and sweet potatoes give the dish a rich texture and a beautiful reddish hue.

Method – Slow Cooked to Perfection

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Sprinkle the beef pieces with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides are nicely browned.

🍳 Pro Tip: Don’t skip this browning step—it locks in the beef’s flavor and adds a rich, meaty depth to the stew.

Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker

Spray the inside of a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the browned beef and then mix in all remaining ingredients except the apricots and parsley.

That means you’ll add:

  • Sweet potatoes

  • Garlic

  • Whole cloves

  • Bay leaf

  • Cinnamon stick

  • Onion

  • Undrained canned tomatoes

Cover the cooker and set to Low heat.

Step 3: Slow Simmer

Let the stew cook for 8 hours on Low. This long, slow cook breaks down the beef until it’s tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, while the sweet potatoes soften and soak up all those spices.

Step 4: Add Apricots

After 8 hours, stir in the dried apricots. Cover again and cook on Low for another 15 minutes, just long enough for the apricots to soften and blend with the stew.

Finally, remove and discard the cloves, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving for a pop of color and brightness.

Rich, tomato-based beef stew with sweet potatoes and golden apricot halves, served in a rustic bowl and topped with fresh chopped parsley.


Nutrition Breakdown

Each serving is both satisfying and relatively healthy, striking a balance between protein, carbs, and fiber.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 260

  • Total Fat: 9g

    • Saturated Fat: 3.5g

    • Trans Fat: 0g

  • Cholesterol: 40mg

  • Sodium: 630mg

  • Carbohydrates: 27g

    • Dietary Fiber: 5g

  • Protein: 17g

Exchanges:

  • ½ Starch

  • 1 Other Carbohydrate

  • 1 Vegetable

  • 2 Lean Meat

  • ½ Fat

Carbohydrate Choices: 2

This dish is a great option for those watching their cholesterol or trying to include more whole foods in their diet. Sweet potatoes provide vitamin A and fiber, while the lean beef gives a good hit of protein.

Smart Shopping Tip

For extra convenience, buy pre-cut beef stew meat instead of trimming and cutting the chuck yourself. It saves time and cuts down on prep mess—perfect for busy mornings when you're loading up the slow cooker before work.

Serving Ideas

This stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to stretch the servings or round out the plate, consider pairing it with:

  • Warm crusty bread

  • Steamed green beans or spinach

  • Couscous or bulgur wheat

  • A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this a top contender for meal prepping or freezing in individual portions.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Sweet + Savory = Flavor Harmony: The combination of apricots, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes provides depth and subtle sweetness without any added sugar.

  • Spices Make It Special: The cloves, bay leaf, and cinnamon give the dish a warm, almost Moroccan-inspired flavor profile.

  • Hands-Off Cooking: With just 15 minutes of prep, your slow cooker takes over, making this recipe ideal for busy days.

  • Nutritious and Comforting: A rare combo, this dish delivers rich taste while still being wholesome and well-balanced.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a new slow cooker meal to shake up your routine, this Sweet Potato & Apricot Beef Stew is a must-try. It’s an easy-to-make, feel-good recipe that checks all the boxes: minimal prep, full of flavor, and a cozy texture that just hits right—especially on chilly nights.

Whether you’re feeding a family or just want a week’s worth of delicious leftovers, this stew delivers comfort by the spoonful.