Perfect Winter Beef Stew

average rating

219

rate/review

prep time

15 min

total time

2 hr 15 min

makes

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

photo by:

kraft

recipe by: kraft

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.