Perfect Winter Beef Stew

By Astrid

Special Extra:
For extra flavor, add 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves to cooked mushrooms and onions with the meat, remaining vegetables, broth and bacon.

Substitute:
Prepare using KRAFT Light Italian Dressing.

How to Prepare Stew in Slow Cooker:
Marinate beef, and cook bacon, onions and mushrooms as directed. Remove beef from marinade; discard marinade. Add beef, onions, mushrooms and remaining ingredients to slow cooker. Cook 10 to 12 hours on LOW (or 5 to 6 hours on HIGH). Stir in 2 Tbsp. flour mixed with 2 Tbsp. water. Cook, covered, 15 min. or until sauce is thickened.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing
• 2 lb. beef stew meat, such as beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 6 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, chopped
• 1/2 lb. sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 carrots (about 1 lb.), sliced
• 1-1/2 lb. potatoes (about 3), peeled, cut into large chunks
• 1 can (14-1/2 oz.) stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (14-1/2 oz.) beef broth

Details

Servings 8
Preparation time 15mins
Cooking time 135mins
Adapted from kraftrecipes.com

Preparation

Step 1

1POUR dressing over beef in resealable plastic bag. Seal bag; turn to evenly coat beef with dressing. Refrigerate 30 min. to marinate.

2COOK bacon in large saucepan on medium heat 5 min. or until crisp, stirring occasionally. Use slotted spoon to remove bacon from saucepan; drain on paper towels.

3ADD mushrooms and onions to saucepan; cook on medium-high heat 10 min. or until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove meat from marinade; discard marinade. Add meat, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, broth and bacon to saucepan; stir.

4BRING to boil, stirring occasionally; cover. Simmer on low heat 1-1/2 hours or until meat is done and sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally and uncovering for the last 15 min.