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Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix

iamwinfred
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix takes the classic comfort of beef stew and makes it incredibly simple by using onion soup mix as your secret flavor weapon. Just a couple of packets transform ordinary ingredients into a rich, savory meal that tastes like it simmered all day. You get tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a deeply flavored broth that brings everything together with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker 6-quart or larger
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small bowl for cornstarch mixture
  • Ladle for serving

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat 907g; pat dry with paper towels before adding
  • 2 packets onion soup mix about 2 oz each; such as Lipton
  • 4 cups beef broth 946ml; low-sodium recommended if watching salt
  • 1 pound baby carrots 454g
  • 1.5 pounds baby potatoes 680g; halved
  • 1 cup frozen peas 150g; add during last 20 minutes
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch 24g
  • 3 tablespoons cold water 45ml
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels. Halve the baby potatoes and measure out the onion soup mix and beef broth.
  • Place beef in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer. Add potatoes, then carrots, sprinkle both packets of onion soup mix evenly over everything, and pour beef broth over all ingredients until liquid reaches about three-quarters up the sides.
  • Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Resist lifting the lid during cooking. Stew is done when beef is fork-tender and vegetables are soft.
  • About 20 minutes before serving, stir in frozen peas. Whisk cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth, pour into stew, and stir gently. Cover and cook on high for 15 to 20 minutes until broth thickens. Taste and add black pepper as needed.
  • Ladle stew into bowls, making sure each serving gets a good mix of beef, vegetables, and broth. Serve hot with bread or rolls for dipping and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Don't skip drying the beef before adding it to the slow cooker, as excess moisture can make the broth watery.
  • Cut potatoes to similar sizes so they all finish cooking at the same time.
  • Use low heat for best results because the longer, slower cooking makes the beef more tender.
  • Add peas at the end to keep them bright green and not mushy.
  • Make the cornstarch slurry smooth by whisking it thoroughly before adding to avoid lumps.
  • Let the stew rest for 5 minutes after thickening to allow the sauce to set up properly.
  • Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed, though the soup mix usually provides plenty of salt.
  • If the stew is too salty, use low-sodium beef broth next time, add a peeled potato to absorb excess salt, or dilute with a bit of water or additional broth.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 2-minute intervals, adding extra broth if the stew seems too thick.

Nutrition

Serving: 1BowlCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 38gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 1100mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 25mg
Keyword comfort food, crockpot beef stew, easy beef stew, onion soup mix recipe, slow cooker beef stew
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