Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew with Ruby Sensation Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 to 2.5 pounds stew meat
- 1 24oz bag Ruby Sensation Bite Size Potatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 7-8 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 bag baby carrots (whole or cut in half)
- 2 packs McCormick slow cooker hearty beef stew seasoning
- 1 carton (32 oz) beef broth (for enhanced flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Cut the stew meat into bite-sized pieces if not already done.
- Wash and clean the Ruby Sensation Bite Size Potatoes, leaving the skins on.
- Chop the onion and celery into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:
- Place the stew meat, Ruby Sensation Potatoes, chopped onion, celery, and baby carrots in the crockpot.
- Mix Seasoning:
- In a separate bowl, mix the contents of the McCormick slow cooker hearty beef stew seasoning packs with the entire carton of beef broth. This replaces the water mentioned in the seasoning pack and enhances the overall flavor of the stew.
- Pour Over Ingredients:
- Pour the seasoned beef broth mixture over the meat and vegetables in the crockpot, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Season with Salt and Pepper:
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the seasoning packs might already contain salt, so adjust accordingly.
- Cooking Time:
- Set the crockpot to cook on low for 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld, and the meat to become tender.
- Serve:
- Once the cooking time is complete, give the stew a gentle stir. The meat should be fork-tender, and the vegetables should be cooked to perfection.
- Optional: Serve with Cornbread:
- Accompany this delicious beef stew with your favorite cornbread for a complete and hearty meal.
- Enjoy:
- Ladle the hot and flavorful beef stew into bowls, and savor the comforting aromas and flavors of this homemade dish.
This Crockpot Homemade Beef Stew with Ruby Sensation Potatoes is a delightful and convenient way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal. Perfect for busy days when you want a delicious dinner waiting for you at home
Here are some tips to ensure your Hearty Crockpot Beef Stew with Ruby Sensation Potatoes turns out perfectly:
- Sear the Meat:
- Before placing the stew meat in the crockpot, consider searing it in a hot pan with a bit of oil. Searing helps lock in the flavor and adds a nice crust to the meat.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the beef broth mixture before pouring it into the crockpot. Adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or any other herbs and spices you enjoy.
- Add Fresh Herbs:
- Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to the crockpot. Tie them in a bundle or sprinkle them over the ingredients.
- Use Fresh Garlic:
- Add minced fresh garlic to the stew for an extra layer of flavor. You can add it to the broth mixture or directly into the crockpot.
- Layering Vegetables:
- Consider layering the vegetables with the meat in the crockpot. This helps distribute the flavors evenly. Place the meat at the bottom, followed by root vegetables, and then leafy or more delicate vegetables on top.
- Frozen Vegetables:
- If you’re short on time, you can use frozen vegetables. Just be mindful that they may release more liquid into the stew.
- Customize Vegetables:
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on personal preferences. Add mushrooms, peas, or green beans for added variety and nutrition.
- Add Tomato Paste:
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon or two of tomato paste to the broth mixture.
- Cornstarch Slurry:
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Freshly Ground Pepper:
- Consider using freshly ground pepper instead of pre-ground pepper for a more robust flavor.
- Warm the Broth:
- To help the crockpot reach the desired temperature more quickly, warm the beef broth before mixing it with the seasoning packs.
- Garnish Before Serving:
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped green onions over the stew just before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
- Stir Gently:
- When stirring the stew, do it gently to avoid breaking apart the potatoes and meat.
Remember, cooking times may vary slightly based on your specific crockpot, so use these tips as a guide and adjust as needed to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious homemade beef stew!
