• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Veggie Desserts
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegan Cake and Desserts
    • Vegan Dinner
    • Vegan Breakfast
    • Vegan Guides
  • Cookbook
    • About My Cookbook
    • Buy Veggie Desserts + Cakes
  • About Me
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Press
    • Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram Posts
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About Me
  • Cookbook
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About Me
  • Cookbook
×
Home » Recipes » Dinner

Vegan Beef Stew

Published: Apr 6, 2023 by Kate Hackworthy · 5 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Bowl of stew, with text: How to make vegan beef stew.
Bowl of stew and text: Slow Cooker Vegan Beef Stew.

This slow cooker Vegan Beef Stew is bursting with flavor! It's very easy to make and the results are a versatile plant-based stew that satisfies. Soy Curls (soy chunks) add bulk and a 'meaty' texture to the rich stew.

Table with a dish of vegan stew, next to a napkin and bowl of salt and pepper.
Vegan Beef Stew

This slow cooker vegan beef stew results in a rich, hearty, and satisfying!

It's also super easy to make. Just soak the soy curls (so they're wonderfully tender in the stew), then add everything to the bowl of the Crock Pot and let it do it's thing!

A few hours later you have a luxuriously rich and flavorful vegan beef-style stew.

We love serving it on its own, with bread for dunking (try it with White Soda Bread), or over mashed potatoes or rice.

It's very versatile and you can even switch up the spices to turn it into something totally different! Add a can of black beans and some taco seasonings, or add chunks of potato and Shawarma Seasoning for a rich dish.

Love stew like we do? You'll also love this Vegan Vegetable Stew, Fesenjan - Persian Walnut Stew , or Vegan Peanut Stew, or Red Bean Stew. Can you tell that my family is a massive fan of plant based stews? They're just so easy, customisable and a crowd pleaser.

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • What are Soy Curls
  • Instructions
  • Storage
  • Top tip
  • FAQ
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It's an easy slow cooker recipe - just soak the soy curls, dump everything into the slow cooker and let it cook your stew to perfection!
  • This is a tasty vegan alternative to beef stew. Perfect for a cold night, St Patrick's Day or just a weeknight meal when you want to come home to a slow cooker full of tasty food.
  • You can customise your stew with different herbs and spices.
  • It's a nourishing, hearty meal.
  • This recipe is super easy.
  • It's a hands-off recipe since the slow cooker does all the cooking!
Ingredients on a table.

Ingredients

You only need simple ingredients for this vegan beef stew recipe!

  • Large Soy Curls (soya chunks) - these are the dried chunks of soy that need to be rehydrated and cooked. You can find them at health food stores and larger grocery stores.
  • Vegetable Stock - You can use store-bought, bouillion powder, or homemade. Try Mushroom Stock or Vegan Chicken Broth Seasoning Powder.
  • Canned chopped tomatoes - Or use canned whole tomatoes and chop them up a bit.
  • Onion, carrot, celery, garlic - these basic veggies add flavor, bulk and goodness to the stew.
  • Dried green lentils - or swap to brown or red lentils if that's what you have. Find out more about lentils.
  • Soy sauce - for a rich umami flavor. You could also add vegan worcestershire sauce.
  • Tomato puree/paste - the thick tomato paste in a tube or small can.
  • Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, black pepper - These seasonings add a tasty 'beefy' flavor. There's no need to add salt since the vegetable stock is usually pretty salty.

Scroll down for the full ingredients list with measurements, and method.

Bowl of soy curls.
Soy curls

What are Soy Curls

Soy curls are a plant-based protein made from whole soybeans that have been cooked, extruded, and then dried into a chewy, meat-like fibrous texture.

Soy curls are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They are also easy to rehydrate and can be seasoned with different spices and sauces to mimic the flavor of meat. Try these soy curl recipes.

Soy curls are a great option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based proteins into their diet or for those who are looking for a meat substitute that is healthy, flavorful, and easy to use in a variety of dishes.

Instructions

Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.

Rehydrating stages of soy curls.

Rinse the soya chunks (soy curls) under running water, then soak them in a bowl of boiled water for 15 minutes, stirring them occasionally if they float. This helps to reduce the total cooking time. Drain. 

All ingredients added to the slow cooker.

Add the drained soy pieces and all other ingredients to a slow cooker, along with 750ml (3 cups) water and stir well. Put on the lid and cook on LOW for 7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

Cooked slow cooker vegan beef stew.

Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, in pies or pasties, or add different seasonings to turn it into curry or chili.

Wooden table with a bowl of vegan beef stew.

Storage

Store: Allow the vegan beef stew to cool down to room temperature before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat: When reheating vegan beef stew, it is best to do so slowly over low to medium heat to prevent the vegetables and other ingredients from overcooking. You can reheat it on the stove in a pot or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Freeze: To freeze vegan beef stew, first allow it to cool down completely to room temperature. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, making sure to leave some room for expansion. Label and date the container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When it's time to thaw and reheat the frozen stew, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat it using the same method as when reheating. Remember to never reheat the same portion more than once, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness.

Top tip

  1. Before using soy curls in the stew, you will need to rehydrate them. To do this, simply soak the soy curls in hot water for 15 minutes until they have absorbed the water and softened. Drain off any excess water before adding them to the slow cooker.
  2. You can add vegetables that you like! Try carrots, peas, green beans, potatoes, onions, celery, and mushrooms all work well.
  3. Try adding your favorite herbs and spices to the stew to enhance the flavor. Thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and paprika are all great options for a vegan beef stew. Adjust the amounts of each to suit your taste.
Close up of vegan beef stew in a bowl.

FAQ

What meat free substitutes can I use for beef stew?

This recipe uses soy curls, but tofu, vegetables and potatoes all work well too.

Collage of quick vegan dinner recipes.

Sign up for our free newsletter and never miss a recipe!

Plus, you'll get a free eBook: 15 Minute Vegan Dinners!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you love this recipe, please leave a five-star rating and review in the comments below! And if you make any modifications, let us know how it went so that we can all benefit from your experience. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe

Close up of vegan beef stew in a bowl.

Vegan Beef Stew

Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
This slow cooker Vegan Beef Stew is easy and the results are rich, hearty, and tasty. Soy Curls (soy chunks) add bulk and a 'meaty' texture.
5 from 8 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
SaveSaved!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 188 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker

Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups soy curls aka soya chunks, 100g
  • 15 ounce can chopped tomatoes 400g
  • 4 cups vegetable stock 1 litre
  • 2 onions diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup dried green lentils (50g) or brown or red lentils, rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons tomato puree
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the soya chunks (soy curls) under running water, then soak them in a bowl of boiled water for 15 minutes, stirring them occasionally if they float. This helps to reduce the total cooking time. Drain.
  • Add the drained soy pieces and all other ingredients to a slow cooker, and stir well. Put on the lid and cook on LOW for 7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
  • Serve over rice, mashed potatoes or on its own.

Nutrition

Calories: 188kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 20gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.05gSodium: 1254mgPotassium: 411mgFiber: 10gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 4029IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 5mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

More Dinner Recipes

  • Wooden table with a bowl of swede soup on a striped napkin.
    Swede Soup (Rutabaga)
  • Close up of a dish of pease pudding with a spoon in it.
    Pease Pudding
  • Looking down at a table with a serving dish of roasted beetroot and sweet potato salad with couscous.
    Roasted Beetroot Sweet Potato Salad
  • A wooden table with a bowl of roasted vegetable quinoa salad, with parsley and sliced lemons scattered around.
    Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 8 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Kushigalu

    May 06, 2023 at 5:39 pm

    5 stars
    I love this vegan version of beef stew. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  2. Jen

    May 01, 2023 at 6:38 pm

    5 stars
    This stew was seriously so hearty and comforting. I can't wait to eat the leftovers for lunch today!

    Reply
  3. Suja md

    April 17, 2023 at 5:40 pm

    5 stars
    I just love this and its was a big hit with everyone. Next time I'll add potatoes thouygh.

    Reply
  4. Megan

    April 08, 2023 at 5:51 pm

    5 stars
    This was the first time I'd ever used soy curls but they are so filling and good in this stew! I had a bag for aaaages but hadn't used them yet. So good! I added baby potatoes and green beans and left out the tomato paste. Still good.

    Reply
  5. Shelby

    April 06, 2023 at 6:00 pm

    5 stars
    Soy curls are the best and this vegan stew is so hearty, filling, and full-of-flavor!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. Here you'll find vegetarian recipes and vegan recipes celebrating vegetables, from dinner to dessert! If you love vegetables, you've come to the right place. About Me

Collage of press logos.

Popular recipes

  • Stack of naan breads on a plate.
    Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)

  • Plate of lentil dahl and rice.
    The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl

  • Soup in a bowl with a spoon.
    Easy Lentil Soup

  • Spoonful of sauce on a jar of it.
    Cane's Sauce Recipe (copycat)

Vegetable Cake Recipes

  • A cake and a piece of cake sitting on top of a table.
    Apple Kale Cake with Apple Icing

  • Close up of cut loaf cake.
    Parsnip Loaf Cake

  • Cake on a cake stand with slices missing
    Vanilla Spinach Cake

  • A slice of lemon cucumber cake on a plate.
    Lemon and Cucumber Cake

My cookbook

Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About me
  • Contact
  • Work with me
  • Press
  • Veggie Desserts Cookbook

Newsletter

  • Sign Up for newsletter updates

Partner Sites

  • You Say Potatoes

Disclaimers

  • Disclosures & Affiliate Policies
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Kate Hackworthy / Veggie Desserts

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This recipe worked out perfectly!
The whole family loved this recipe!
Easy and tasty!
I'm sure we'll be making this recipe again and again!

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.