Crockpot beef stew๐Ÿ˜‹

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs stew beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 medium potatoes, chopped
  • 5 large carrots, sliced
  • 1 large container of baby portobella mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp beef bouillon powder
  • 1 packet McCormick beef stew mix
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup flour (for thickening)
  • Cold water (for the slurry)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Ingredients:
    • Clean and chop the potatoes, slice the carrots, clean and slice the mushrooms, and chop the onion.
  2. Brown the Stew Beef:
    • In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the stew beef on all sides. This step adds flavor to the meat. Once browned, transfer the beef to the crockpot.
  3. Add Vegetables to the Crockpot:
    • Place the chopped potatoes, sliced carrots, sliced mushrooms, and chopped onion on top of the browned beef in the crockpot.
  4. Prepare the Broth:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of water, onion powder, beef bouillon powder, and the McCormick beef stew mix. Mix well to dissolve the ingredients.
  5. Pour Broth Over Ingredients:
    • Pour the prepared broth over the meat and vegetables in the crockpot. Ensure that the liquid covers all the ingredients.
  6. Season and Set to Cook:
    • Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir the contents of the crockpot gently to distribute the seasoning. Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6.5 hours.
  7. Thicken the Stew:
    • In a small bowl, make a slurry by mixing 1 cup of flour with enough cold water to create a smooth paste. Stir the slurry into the stew in the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the broth. Mix well.
  8. Finish Cooking:
    • Allow the stew to continue cooking for the remaining time until it reaches a total of 6.5 hours. This ensures that the meat is tender, and the vegetables are cooked through.
  9. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Once done, ladle the hearty beef stew into bowls and enjoy a warm and comforting meal.

This Crockpot Beef Stew is packed with flavor and made even heartier with the addition of a flour and water slurry for a thick, luscious broth. Perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal! ๐Ÿ˜‹๐Ÿฅฉ๐Ÿฅ”๐Ÿฅ•

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef for the stew?

A1: Absolutely! While stew beef is commonly used, you can use other cuts suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck roast or round steak. Ensure the meat is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Q2: Can I add other vegetables to the stew?

A2: Yes, feel free to customize the stew by adding vegetables like peas, celery, or green beans. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Q3: Can I use homemade beef broth instead of bouillon and water?

A3: Certainly! Homemade beef broth can enhance the flavor of the stew. Use it as a substitute for the water and bouillon powder.

Q4: How can I make this stew gluten-free?

A4: To make the stew gluten-free, substitute a gluten-free thickening agent for the flour in the slurry. Cornstarch or arrowroot powder are good alternatives.

Q5: Can I cook the stew on high for a shorter time?

A5: While the recipe suggests cooking on low for 6.5 hours, you can cook on high for approximately 3-4 hours. Keep an eye on the tenderness of the meat and vegetables.

Q6: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A6: Yes, you can freeze leftover beef stew. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q7: Can I add herbs or spices for extra flavor?

A7: Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for additional flavor. Experiment with your favorite spices to customize the stew to your taste.

Q8: Can I use a different thickening agent instead of flour?

A8: Yes, if you prefer a different thickening agent, consider using cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca flour. Follow the recommended usage for your chosen thickener.

Q9: Can I cook this stew overnight?

A9: It’s generally not recommended to leave a slow cooker unattended overnight. If you’d like to enjoy the stew in the morning, consider using a programmable slow cooker that switches to a warming mode after the cooking time.

Q10: Can I make this stew in a pressure cooker instead of a crockpot?

A10: Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe for a pressure cooker like an Instant Pot. Adjust the cooking time and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for converting slow cooker recipes to pressure cooker recipes.