Granny’s Hearty Beef and Potato Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3-4 jumbo baking potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 big container (32 oz) beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) peas, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) green beans, drained
- 1 huge scoop minced garlic
- Worcestershire sauce, a few squirts
- 1 packet McCormick beef stew seasoning
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Ranch seasoning, to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Peel and dice the baking potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large crockpot, combine the cooked ground beef, diced potatoes, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, condensed tomato soup, drained corn, drained peas, drained green beans, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Sprinkle the McCormick beef stew seasoning over the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Season the stew with garlic salt, onion powder, pepper, and ranch seasoning according to your taste preferences. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender.
- Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Ladle the hearty beef and potato stew into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
Enjoy this comforting and nostalgic dish that captures the essence of your childhood!
Here are some tips to enhance and perfect your Hearty Beef and Potato Stew:
- Brown the Beef: Ensure that you thoroughly brown the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the meat.
- Layering Flavors: Consider layering the flavors by sautéing the garlic in the skillet after browning the beef. This can help release more aromatic compounds and intensify the overall taste.
- Potato Size: Cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This helps prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others stay firm.
- Season Gradually: While you can use the specified seasonings as a base, taste the stew periodically and adjust the seasonings accordingly. This allows you to tailor the flavor to your liking.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking on low heat for a longer duration allows the ingredients to meld and develop rich flavors. It also ensures that the potatoes become tender without losing their shape.
- Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, during the last hour of cooking. This can add a burst of fresh aroma and flavor to the stew.
- Add Vegetables Carefully: If you prefer your vegetables to have more bite, add them towards the end of the cooking time. This prevents them from becoming overly soft.
- Adjust Consistency: If you find that the stew is too thick, you can add more beef broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve with a Side: Consider serving the stew with crusty bread, rolls, or a side salad to complement the heartiness of the dish.
- Make Ahead: This stew often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Consider making it ahead of time and reheating when ready to serve.
Remember, recipes are a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and adjust based on your preference
