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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angiem007

posted:1/27/2006

This was the best beef stew I ever had!!! Growing up and eating a lot of different stews made me go away from that for many years, but after seeing a picture of this receipe and with having bacon in it made me want to try it. FABULOUS! Will make this again and again.

Carole897

posted:1/27/2006

enjoyed marinating the meat in Italian dressing before frying it gave it a good flavor. Will make it again only next time I will double the reciepe. Thank you

hetaf001

posted:1/26/2006

Agree - this was very tasty and easy to make - I cut up the ingredients the night before and my husband threw it together with no problems - came home to the house smelling great.

RuthLOTR

posted:1/25/2006

Yummy! I loved it. This is a fantastic entree for the whole family. So good, I'm already ready for it again next week! More seasoning was added (a garlic herb Mrs. Dash mixture, garlic powder, and yes, a whole garlic clove, and some white pepper). It came out extremely flavorful with the added seasonings. Next time I would add a bit more mushrooms (I like them). It was absolutely delicious, and with some warm crusty rustic bread on the side, oh you can't go wrong! (just add some seasoning). I must say, Kraftfoods has added some delicious meals for my family. Thank you Kraftfoods!

StacieE2

posted:1/25/2006

Loved it! Made it and my family loved it. Was hoping to have left overs but it was so good we ate the whole thing. Went to the store the next day and made another batch. I plan on making a double batch for Superbowl Sunday!! Thank you!!!

Peterson9

posted:1/25/2006

I needed to add a little Mrs. Dash just for some spice. I did like the bacon, it added a nice contrast to the stew.

JSolava1

posted:1/25/2006

By marinading the meat, it added additional flavor, and cut the cooking time alot compared to my old recipe. Rave reviews from family and friends when they tasted it.

LinMel1

posted:1/25/2006

This was so delicious! My 15 year old daughter had two bowls - someone who really does not like what I cook. A great meal for a cold rainy day!

GoodCooking101

posted:1/24/2006

Easy and very good! So much so that I'm adding it to my book of favorite recipes!

ciggie57