Basic Beef Stew

By VerneJ

NOTE: To lengthen cooking time of all beef stews by 1 or 2 hours, add one more can of beef broth and increase tapioca to 1/2 cup.

Ingredients

• 2 2 1-in. lb beef stew meat, cut in 1-in. cubes
• 2 2 2 large potatoes, peeled, cut into chunks
• 5 5 5 medium carrots, peeled, sliced
• 2 2 2 medium onions, sliced
• 2 2 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 1 1/2-oz) can (10 1/2-oz) beef broth
• 1 1/2 1 1/2 1/2 cups water
• 1/3 1/3 1/3 cup minute tapioca
• 2 2 2 tablespoons brown bouquet sauce
• 2 2 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 1/4 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 1/4 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

POWER LEVEL: Automatic Simmer
MICROWAVE TIME: 6 to 8 hours

1. In stoneware accessory or 4-qt casserole, place beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, broth, water, tapioca, brown bouquet sauce, salt, pepper and garlaic powder. Mix together very thoroughly.

2. With the back of a spoon, press chunks of meat to submerge under liquid.

3. Insert temperature probe so tip rests on bottom of dish, halfway between center and side.

4. Use accessory cover; or cover tightly with plastic wrap, arranging loosely around probe to vent. Attach cable end at receptacle.

5. Microwave at Automatic Simmer 6 to 8 hours. Stir before serving.

VARIATIONS:
Beef Curry: Prepare Beef Stew, omitting potatoes and carrots. Blend 1/2 cup raisins and 3 tablespoons curry powder into mixture and microwave as in recipe. Serve over rice.

Beef Goulash: Prepare Beef Stew, omitting potatoes and carrots. Stir 2 tablespoons paprika into mixture and microwave as in recipe. Just before serving, stir in 1 cup (8-oz) sour cream. Serve over noodles.

Irish Stew: Substitute lamb for beef. Just before serving, stir in 1 pkg (10-oz) frozen peas. Microwave at High 5 to 10 minutes, until peas are tender.