Beef Stew Recipe
This hearty Beef Stew is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. The stew is rich with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth that’s enhanced with a touch of ranch seasoning for extra depth of flavor. Made in the crock pot, it’s an easy and convenient recipe for busy days.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs stew beef, cut into cubes
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 fresh clove garlic, minced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon raw sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 large carrots, quartered and cut into small pie-shaped pieces
- 3 celery stalks, halved and cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- ¼ cup water
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
Directions:
- Brown the Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the stew beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot.
- Prepare the Stew Base:
- Add 2 cups of water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder (or minced garlic), bay leaves, chopped onion, salt, raw sugar, black pepper, smoked paprika, turmeric, onion powder, and ground cloves to the crock pot.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cook the Stew:
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Thicken the Stew:
- About 45 minutes before serving, mix ¼ cup cold water with 2 tablespoons corn starch in a small bowl until the corn starch is dissolved.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the crock pot and stir well.
- Add the packet of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix and stir to combine.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add the quartered carrots and cut celery to the crock pot.
- Continue cooking for the remaining 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened.
- Serve:
- Discard the bay leaves before serving.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy!
Tips:
- Tender Meat: Browning the meat before adding it to the crock pot adds extra flavor and helps to seal in the juices.
- Vegetable Size: Cutting the vegetables into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add more cornstarch mixed with water, or cook the stew uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid.
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting beef stew, perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a hearty meal!