This time of year, I am always freezing. It can be 65 degrees outside but I’m still bundled up. Most of the year here it’s over 100 degrees, so even just being in the 60’s is a HUGE temperature change- and it definitely takes me awhile to adjust {usually just in time for it to get really hot again}.
One of my favorite ways to stay warm this time of year is to make lots of hot, delicious foods, like this Beef Stew! It is also very similar to a recipe my Mom used to make when I was a kid {she called it Poor Man’s Stew} so it brings a little extra comfort with it!
Can you make this beef stew recipe without wine?
Yep! Beef stew typically includes a cooking wine but sometimes I skip it. I don’t have wine in my house, so it feels wasteful to buy a whole bottle for a couple of TBSP.
If you already have some and want to include it, you’ll just add about 2 TBSP after adding the herbs and spices and sauté for 2-3 minutes before adding the rest of the ingredients. If you skip the wine, you’ll need to sub that wine out for another liquid- 1-2 TBSP of red vinegar would work well.
Is this a slow cooker beef stew recipe?
Not as shared, but it would be super easy to make it in the slow cooker!
To make beef stew in the slow cooker, just brown the beef in a little bit of oil in a skillet for about 2-3 minutes, throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker, and cook it on low for 7 hours or high for about 3-4 hours.
Tip: Add about 1/4 cup of flour about 30 minutes before it’s done {and stir well} to thicken the broth a bit.
Can the Kids Help?
Kids can ALWAYS help in the kitchen! For this recipe, I’d suggest letting them help with measuring the ingredients, especially the spices and the vegetables.
Depending on the age of your kids, they may also be able to help with cutting ingredients but most of these take a big, sharp knife so this one is maybe not for small children {aside from the measuring!}
I’d also suggest that you help a little extra with the cooking itself- although if you do opt for the slow cooker route, they can definitely help throw all those ingredients in!
What Supplies Do You Need to Make Beef Stew?
To make Beef Stew, you’ll need:
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Hungry for More?
Want more delicious soup recipes? Try these:
- Slow Cooker Minestrone
- Slow Cooker Grown Up Chicken Soup
- Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Wonton Noodles & Pork Soup
Old Fashioned Beef Stew
This easy beef stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly winter nights! It's easy to make on the stovetop or in the slow cooker and includes lots of veggies!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
- 32 ounces beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp red cooking wine
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1-2 carrots, chopped
- ½ lb potatoes, chopped {any color!}
- 6 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1-2 cups water
Instructions
Combine stew meat and cornstarch, set aside.
Saute onion in butter. Add beef and saute until browned.
Add herbs/spices.
Add cooking wine and saute for 2-3 minutes.
Add beef broth, carrots, potatoes and mushrooms.
Add water and bay leaf.
Simmer on low-medium for 30 minutes or until desired thickness.
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