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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emilyg91

posted:12/29/2008

very easy and tasty, the slow cooking is worth it

matthou

posted:12/29/2008

I made this and thought it was very bland. Some additional spices might bring it up a few stars.

kandlekween22

posted:12/28/2008

Fantastic flavor! Works well in both dutch oven & slow cooker. This is now our favorite beef stew. Perfect with hot biscuits.

starsandbears

posted:12/26/2008

I made the slow cooker version of this recipe and it was awesome! Best beef stew I ever had. I set out some frozen dinner rolls after the stew started cooking and they were done the same time (rising in a cold kitchen). This is the first recipe to go in my favorites folder.

janajohn

posted:12/3/2008

My family loved this recipe! In addition to the veggies the recipe called for, I added a small rutabaga to the mix (a family preference)...the veggie flavors come through in this recipe because the meat marinade, the bacon, and beef broth or wine are the only other flavors marrying in with the veggies, unlike the gravy types stews heavy with spices. A great recipe!

Gloriapillow01

posted:12/2/2008

Absolutely delicious! It's become a favorite of ours, with such a wonderful taste and texture. I don't bother to saute the onions and mushrooms before cooking--we like our veggies a bit crisp. It's just a perfect, flavorful, rainy-day or cold evening meal. Thank you!

a cook

posted:11/29/2008

This was very easy to make and was a big hit in my house. I will be making it again very soon, loved it!!!!

stlred25

posted:11/25/2008

This has become one of my favorite recipes!My roommate is the cook of the house and she asks me to make this often! I make it exactly as the recipe states in the crockpot and it turns out wonderful everytime!

tanishaswain