My friend Jessica is famous for 3 dishes: Chicken and Dumplings, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Beef Stew. I’m sure she cooks other things well, too, but when I hear any of these are on the menu, I’m there! This Beef Stew also has a secret ingredient that I typically don’t use. Don’t skip it.
This recipe makes a lot and it freezes beautifully (name that movie!). And what neighbor wouldn’t love a big pot of beef stew and some crunchy crackers as a surprise dinner? So don’t worry about leftovers with this one; there won’t be any.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
2 lbs. beef stew meat
30 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 lb. carrots, cut into big chunks (I like to keep them big so they don’t fall apart)
1 lb. red potatoes, skin on, cut into chunks
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 box beef stock
*SECRET INGREDIENT: Slow Cooker Beef Stew Seasoning Packet
2 teaspoons salt
Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours.
* I typically skip the seasoning packet aisle at the store in favor of making my own, but I did a little research to find a packet without a ton of chemicals that was basically just spices with cornstarch for thickening. I don’t remember the brand, but just look at the ingredients before you buy.
