Enjoy a hearty bowl of beef stew. Make it in your slow cooker (aka crock-pot).

Let the aroma of this delicious dish fill your home and your tummy when you get home from work!

My recipe contains dehydrated onions, carrots, potatoes, celery, and garlic (and FRESH beef). You don't need to rehydrate the veggies prior to slow cooking. Just make sure to keep your eye on it during the day as mentioned above.

If you have to leave it unattended, it's always best to add "extra" stock than have too little. If, upon your return home you have too much stock, do this: Drain off the excess stock, and put it in a small saucepan. In a separate jug add a small amount of water and add flour (or cornstarch) to it. Mix well.

Add this flour/water mix to the stock in the pan and bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes to cook the flour. Save this thickened meaty sauce for biscuit-dipping or pouring over boiled spuds.

NOTE: Feel free to stir in the thickened stock back into the whole mix!

Beef Stew: An Old-Fashioned Hearty Dish

Beef stew is a hearty dish that has its roots in peasant cuisine. It was traditionally made with whatever meat and vegetables were on hand. Over time, it has evolved into the dish we know and love today.

Beef stew typically contains beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery cooked in a rich broth. and thickened with flour or cornstarch and typically served with bread or biscuits.

Best Cuts to Use for Beef Stew

The best cuts of meat for beef stew are the tougher, cheaper cuts like chuck roast or round steak.

These cuts of meat are high in collagen, which breaks down into gelatin during cooking and makes the stew nice and thick. It also gives the meat a more rich and flavorful taste.

Want to Use Fresh Ingredients?

Want to use fresh ingredients that you have on hand? Do this:

Exchange the dry ingredients in the recipe for these fresh ingredients listed below!

• 2 medium carrots, washed, peeled, and sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, washed, peeled, and sliced
• 1/2 large onion, peeled and diced
• 1 celery stalk, sliced

and

• 2 slices of fresh elephant garlic, or 1-1/2 small cloves of "regular-sized" garlic

When You Get Home... Your Delicious Beef Stew is Ready to Eat and Serve!

This is what your beef stew will look like with the dehydrated veggies, above.

With the meat and stock added...

And when you get home from work, you'll lift the lid to discover a super-satisfying stew.

You can see how much the stock/water level reduced to make the thick gravy; that's why it's important to make sure you add enough stock in the first place!

Slow cookers are great for simmering stews all day. You get to enjoy a nourishing meal at day's end, check out these from Amazon, below:

Super SLOW COOKERS at Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

Traditional Irish Stew

Irish stew is a variation of beef stew that is popular in - yes, you guessed it - Ireland. It typically contains lamb or mutton, potatoes, carrots, onions, and fresh herbs.

Some recipes add Guinness Stout, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. Irish stew is typically served with boiled potatoes and crusty bread.

Brunswick Stew

Georgia's Brunswick Stew is a traditional Southern dish that is popular in barbecue joints all over Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia too. It is typically made with chicken, pork - or beef, tasty vegetables, and a tomato-based sauce.

The stew is traditionally cooked in a large pot over an open fire. This gives it a smoky flavor that is unique and delicious.

I remember eating a bowl of Brunswick Stew served in a round hollowed-out baked bread 'bowl' ... they poured in the stew... and nothing went to waste. Delicious memory!

If you like stew, I'm betting that you'd love Black Bean Soup too. Go check it out!

Don't forget to get your free "Six Simple Steps" eBook where I share how to dehydrate food safely!