Perfect Winter Beef Stew

average rating

222

rate/review

prep time

15 min

total time

2 hr 15 min

makes

8 servings, 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) each

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kraft

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What You Need

3/4 cup Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing

2 lb. (900 g) stewing beef, cut into 1-inch chunks

6 slices bacon, chopped

1 lb. (450 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 large onion, chopped

6 carrots (1-1/2 lb./675 g), sliced

1-1/2 lb. (675 g) potatoes (about 5), peeled, cut into large chunks

1 can (19 fl oz/540 mL) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (10 fl oz/284 mL) 25%-less-sodium beef broth

Make It

POUR dressing over beef in resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Turn bag over several times to evenly coat beef with dressing. Refrigerate 30 min. to marinate.

MEANWHILE, cook bacon in Dutch oven or large deep skillet on medium heat 5 min. or until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon from pan; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings.

ADD mushrooms and onions to Dutch oven; cook on medium-high heat 10 min. or until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove meat from marinade; discard bag and marinade. Add to Dutch oven with bacon, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes and broth; stir.

BRING to boil, stirring constantly; cover. Simmer on low heat 1 hour 30 min. or until beef is done and sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally and uncovering after 1 hour 15 min.

kraft kitchens tips

Special Extra

For more flavour, add 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves to Dutch oven with the meat and vegetables.

How to Discard Bacon Drippings

Do not pour bacon drippings down the sink. Instead, carefully pour drippings into empty can. (Bacon drippings will be extremely hot.) Place can in refrigerator until drippings have solidified. Then, discard both the can and the drippings.

How to Prepare Stew in Slow Cooker

Marinate beef and cook bacon, onions and mushrooms as directed. Remove beef from marinade; discard marinade. Add beef, onions, mushrooms and remaining ingredients to slow cooker; cook 10 to 12 hours on LOW (or 5 to 6 hours on HIGH). Stir in 2 Tbsp. flour mixed with 2 Tbsp. water. Cook 15 min. or until sauce is thickened.

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rating

This was tasty and very easy. I used a bag of baby potatoes, a 26 oz can of no salt added tomatoes and celery instead of mushrooms.
posted by korpesio | on 1/30/2013

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This stew is absolutely delicious! Family loves it!! I have made it many times over...a winter staple in our home
posted by lindacardarelli | on 1/7/2013

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So easy, husband loved it!
posted by RookieChef | on 7/11/2012

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I have been looking for a great stew! A little bit of work first, but it is worth it! I add celery and lots of carrots. For the can of tomatoes i used the garlic and herb one - great for adding extra spices. I also thickened it with BISTO. Whole family loves it!
posted by lmlewis | on 4/10/2012

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Tasty and very much like comfort food. I added a teaspn. of dry oregano to give that extra punch and a bit of barley grits to the onions for get a thicker gravy
posted by a cook | on 2/17/2012

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awesome stew, a new favourite. Also added a bay leaf, worchestershire sauce & peas. Very flavourful. Delicious!!
posted by Helen26 | on 2/11/2012

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This is one of the tastiest and easist stews I have ever made. No browning of the meat kind of threw me off at the start but that ended up being one of the things great about this recipe. I added a bay leaf and some winter savoury for just a little bit more flavour. And the great thing was the leftovers!
posted by mkhardy | on 11/29/2011

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Excellent stew - bacon adds a great flavor surprise.
posted by Southwood | on 10/30/2011

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Hubby said...just like mom used to make!
posted by a cook | on 10/22/2011

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Amazingly easy and delicious - I also added a 1/2 cup of red wine .....mmmmmm good! Yukon gold potatoes were used instead of white ones - they go pink from the wine!
posted by glendamargaret57 | on 10/20/2011