Apple Cider Beef Stew

 I created this slow cooker recipe using convenience products to save time chopping vegetables and browning beef. Apple cider and cinnamon are the unique additions that give a down-home flavor to this oh-so-easy and economical stew. It also makes a rich, flavorful potluck dish for holiday gatherings or on busy school nights. -Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California

12 Servings Prep: 20 min. Cook: 6-1/4 hours

 

Ingredients

4 cups frozen vegetables for stew (about 24 ounces), thawed

1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained

1 jar (4-1/2 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained

Apple Cider Beef Stew (continued) 2 of 3

Ingredients (continued)

1 tablespoon dried minced onion

2 envelopes brown gravy mix

2 tablespoons onion soup mix

2 teaspoons steak seasoning

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth

1-1/4 cups apple cider or unsweetened apple juice

1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

1 bay leaf

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/3 cup cold water

 

Directions

Place the vegetables, water chestnuts, mushrooms and onion in a 5-qt. 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, and shake to coat. Add to slow cooker.