Foodie Friday: Perfect Winter Beef Stew

Foodie Friday is a great day to share some delicious recipes.  This is hosted by Gullum at Designs by Gullum.  Visit her site to see so many other yummy recipes from other participants.  

But before you go, enjoy this Perfect Winter Beef Stew.  It is by far, my favorite and I found it in the KraftFoods website last year.  Since then, it has become a favorite in my house.

Ingredients

3/4 cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing

2 lb.  beef for stew, such as beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch chunks

6 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, chopped

3 cups  sliced fresh mushrooms (about 1/2 lb.)

1 large onion, chopped

6   carrots (about 1 lb.), sliced

1-1/2 lb. potatoes (about 3), peeled, cut into large chunks

1 can  (14-1/2 oz.) stewed tomatoes, undrained

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) beef broth

*Optional.... I sometimes add Celery or other veggies, depending on the mood.  One time I added sweet potatoes and it was just as yummy.

Prep Time:15 min  Total Time:  2 hr 15 min  Makes: 8 servings, 1-1/4 cups each

What You Need!

3/4 cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing

2 lb.  beef for stew, such as beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch chunks

6 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, chopped

3 cups  sliced fresh mushrooms (about 1/2 lb.)

1 large onion, chopped

6   carrots (about 1 lb.), sliced

1-1/2 lb. potatoes (about 3), peeled, cut into large chunks

1 can  (14-1/2 oz.) stewed tomatoes, undrained

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) beef broth

Make It!

POUR dressing over beef in resealable plastic bag. Seal bag; turn to evenly coat beef with dressing. Refrigerate 30 min. to marinate.	COOK bacon in large saucepan on medium heat 5 min. or until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon from saucepan; drain.
ADD mushrooms and onions to saucepan; cook on medium-high heat 10 min. or until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove meat from marinade; discard marinade. Add meat, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, broth and bacon to saucepan; stir.	BRING to boil, stirring occasionally; cover. Simmer on low heat 1 hour 15 min. Uncover; simmer 15 min. or until meat is done and sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.

KraftKitchen Tips

Special Extra

For extra flavor, add 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves with the broth.

Substitute

Prepare using KRAFT Light Italian Dressing.

How to Prepare Stew in Slow Cooker

Marinate beef and cook bacon, onions and mushrooms as directed. Remove beef from marinade; discard marinade. Add beef, onions, mushrooms and remaining ingredients to slow cooker. Cook 10 to 12 hours on LOW (or on HIGH 5 to 6 hours). Stir in 2 Tbsp. flour mixed with 2 Tbsp. water. Cook 15 min. or until sauce is thickened.