Fabulous Beef Stew (Crock Pot)

Vindwyn's Note:

This is a wonderful beef stew recipe that I found on the About.com website. I have made it several times, and it always generates raves. I don't add the corn starch and water when I make it. Also, I use beef roast instead of stew meat. I think it gives it a richer, heartier flavor.

• Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 8 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 1/2 lbs stewing beef, lean, cut in 1-inch cubes (I use a roast instead)
• 1 (1 1/4 ounce) packet Lipton Beef and Onion Soup mix
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 4 medium potatoes, cubed
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 stalk celery, sliced (Not just 1 rib, but the whole stalk)
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes, with juice
• 1 garlic clove, crushed (I use the minced garlic in a jar)
• salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water

Directions:

1. Put all ingredients, except for cornstarch and water, in a slow cooker on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with water (if desired).
4. Turn heat to high and stir until thickened.

Reviews

[Annacia]

This makes an excellent stew with all of the things we like, I did brown the beef before putting it all into the pot just because I like the finished look of it batter. It was rich tasting and the perfect thing for a rainy fall dinner. I made cheese biscuits to go with it and I must say that I didn't bother with the thickening because I've never really had good luck with stews getting thicker in the crock (I must have a really slow slow cooker!) and I was too lazy to mess up another pot just for that.