Apple Cider Beef Stew

Recipe from Best of Taste of Home 2009

• Ready In: 6 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 4  cups  frozen  vegetables, for stew thawed (about 24 oz)
• 1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 1 (4 1/2ounce) jar  sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1  tablespoon  dried onion flakes
• 2 (8 ounce) envelopes  brown gravy mix
• 2  tablespoons  onion soup mix
• 2  teaspoons  steak seasoning
• 1⁄8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2  lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can beef broth
• 1 1⁄4 cups apple cider, or
• 1 1⁄4 cups  unsweetened apple juice
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1  bay leaf
• 3  tablespoons cornstarch
• 1⁄3 cup cold water

Directions

1. Place the first four ingredients in a 5-qt slow cooker. In a large, resealable plastic bag, combine the gravy mix, soup mix, steak seasoning, and cinnamon; add beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. Add to slow cooker.
2. Combine the broth, cider and tomato sauce; pour over beef. Add bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until meat is tender.
3. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into stew. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes or until thickened. Discard bay leaf.