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:
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Clean and chop the potatoes, slice the carrots, clean and slice the mushrooms, and chop the onion.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour Broth Over Ingredients:
- Pour the prepared broth over the meat and vegetables in the crockpot. Ensure that the liquid covers all the ingredients.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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! 😋🥩🥔🥕
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.