Perfect Winter Beef Stew

photo by:kraft

"Tasty" barely begins to describe this stew. With savory beef, rich bacon, veggies and hearty potatoes, "perfect" is a much closer word.

time

prep:

15 min

total:

2 hr 15 min

servings

total:

8 servings, 1-1/4 cups each

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What You Need

3/4

cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing

lb. beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch chunks

slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, chopped

1/2

lb. sliced fresh mushrooms

large onion, chopped

carrots (about 1 lb.), sliced

1-1/2

lb. red potatoes (about 5), peeled, cut into large chunks

can (14-1/2 oz.) stewed tomatoes, undrained

can (14-1/2 oz.) beef broth

It's for dipping and dunking and mixing-upping. And yes, for salad too.

Make It

step 1

POUR dressing over stew meat in resealable plastic bag. Seal bag; turn to evenly coat meat with dressing. Refrigerate 30 min. to marinate.

step 2

COOK bacon in large saucepan on medium heat 5 min. or until crisp, stirring occasionally. Use slotted spoon to remove bacon from pan, reserving drippings in pan; drain bacon on paper towels.

step 3

ADD mushrooms and onions to reserved drippings; cook on medium-high heat 10 min. or until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove stew meat from marinade; add to saucepan with carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, broth and bacon. Discard bag and marinade.

step 4

BRING stew to boil, stirring occasionally; cover. Simmer on low heat 1-1/2 hours or until beef is done and stew is thickened, stirring occasionally and uncovering for the last 15 min.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Variation

Pour dressing over beef in shallow glass dish; stir to evenly coat meat with dressing. Refrigerate 30 min. to marinate. Drain, then continue as directed.

Substitute

Prepare using KRAFT Lite Italian Dressing.

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, bacon, onions, mushrooms and remaining ingredients to slow cooker; cover with lid. Cook on LOW 10 to 12 hours (or on HIGH 5 to 6 hours ). Stir in 2 Tbsp. flour mixed with 2 Tbsp. water. Cook, covered, 15 min. or until sauce is thickened.

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sallycat69

posted:7/25/2010

This stew is very good and easy. I used red wine as well. I seem to always use more veggies, so I use more liquid. This recipe hits the spot on a cold night.

vhartin

posted:7/23/2010

I have been making this stew for about 2 years. My family absolutely loves it. The only thing I do differently is add a bit of red wine at the end. It is so easy and the best beef stew I have ever made.

marimac154

posted:7/12/2010

Love it!

a cook

posted:5/20/2010

I was never a stew-lover, but this recipe has changed my mind. I've made it a few times and it always comes out just right. There's no flouring of meat or browning - it all cooks perfectly following the recipe.

tootswog

posted:4/20/2010

This was my first attempt at a beef stew because my bf always makes it cuz he says he makes the best. This was even better than his! Marinating the meat made such a difference. It was SO tender!

a cook

posted:4/6/2010

This was great!! We made it again. Can't wait until winter to make it again.

soymilk

posted:3/29/2010

Instead of beef, I used chicken in cut up pieces. Yummy!

daraujo

posted:3/13/2010

I make this all the time, my family loves it. The only differece is I don't add the bacon. I still cook it and use the grease to cook the onions and mushroom. The bacon gets soggie and doesn't taste good.

surggreys07

posted:3/1/2010

This was VERY good! My family loved it. Will definately make this again.

a.warden

posted:2/17/2010

This was delicious! It will be a winter favorite for years to come I am sure.