Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Apple Cider Beef Stew




We eat a lot of soups and stews in the wintertime.  This winter has me looking for new recipes to try on these cold and frosty nights.  I came across this recipe in an issue of Taste of Home Slow Cooker Recipes.  I would have never thought of using apple cider and cinnamon in beef stew, but this is really delicious!

Apple Cider Beef Stew

4 cups frozen vegetables for stew (I couldn't find these so I just cut up potatoes, carrots, celery and onions like I would for regular stew)
1 can (8 oz.) sliced water chestnuts (I would leave this out next time.  We didn't care for the crunch factor in stew)
1 jar (4 oz.) sliced mushrooms drained
2 envelopes brown gravy mix
2 tablespoons onion soup mix
2 teaspoons steak seasoning
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
2 lbs. beef stew meat cut in 1 inch cubes
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) beef broth
1 1/4 cups apple cider OR unsweetened apple juice
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 bay leaf
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup cold water

Place the vegetables, water chestnuts and mushrooms in a 5 quart 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.  Shake to coat.  Add to slow cooker.

Combine the broth, cider and tomato sauce;  pour over beef.  Add the bay leaf.  Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until meat is tender.  (Next time I would increase the time if I use fresh veggies.  The potatoes weren't quite done but the meat was tender)

Combine cornstarch and water and stir til smooth;  stir into stew.  Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes or until thickened.  Discard bay leaf before serving.   Makes 12 servings.

9 comments:

  1. I'll have to save this one...the boyfriend promised me a slow cooker for my birthday...mmmm.

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  2. YUM!! I love slow cooker recipes and this one's a keeper. It's only 10:30 in the morning and you've made me hungry for lunch already!

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  3. I Luuuvs me some beef stew. I have to make this too. Have you ever made apple cider chicken ? OMG the cider cooks down to a glaze - absolutely heaven. We had it out at a restaurant and I couldn't believe vinegar could cook down into something so yummy .
    Now I'm hungry.......

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  4. I would have never thought to use Apple Cider either! Sounds delicious though :)

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  5. that looks so good..I can almost smell it! I love one pot meals ;-)

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  6. That looks so good,,,thanks for stopping by,,and here is the link you go to to sign up for the 20 minutes..have a great day..

    http://marmaladerose.blogspot.com/

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  7. Mmmm.. I love beef stew.. a true winter favourite. Oh, now I wish I had some now for lunch.

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  8. Perfect! I was looking for something for dinner tonight, and I don't leave the house often when it's cold, but I'll got to the grocery store to try this!

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  9. Thanks for sharing. Thats looks like one to try out in my crockpot.

    I always associate apple n cider with Pork.

    carol

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