Serves 4-6 people.
Cook Time 4-8 hours.
Beef Stew
A culinary tradition with ancient origins is the technique of slow cooking food to allow flavors to mingle and ingredients to become more delicate. With the invention of the crockpot in the 20th century, this valued practice underwent a metamorphosis, fusing time-honored methods with modern comforts [1]. Such a gadget made it possible to quickly produce traditional foods like beef stew, which had a rich mixture of vegetables that were precisely processed to provide the appropriate flavor and texture. The stew’s distinctive consistency, which is attained by the traditional use of thickening agents, represents the union of culinary art and science [2]. Safety is still very important, as it is with other culinary techniques. The use of modern cooking appliances, such as the crockpot, necessitates a respect for safety regulations and standards, making delicious and safe meals possible [3,4].
Let’s get started!
- Collect Ingredients
- 2 pounds stew meat
- 6 carrots (approximately 1 cup when cut)
- 4 large potatoes (approximately 1 ½ lbs)
- 1 small onion (approximately ¼ cup when chopped)
- 1 Packet McCormick slow cooker beef stew mix
- 1 1/3 cups water or beef broth
- Set up slow cooker on countertop (Remember it gets hot so make sure nothing is close enough to touch it or to melt nearby.) To help with clean-up use a plastic slow cooker liner.
- Chop or slice vegetables as desired. (Smaller pieces tend to cook quicker than chunky pieces do.)
- Add stew meat and cut vegetables into slow cooker and stir, then mix packet with water or broth and pour on top. Place cover on slow cooker.
- Plug in and turn on slow cooker.
- Cook on Low for 8 hours or cook on high for 4 hours.
FAQ:
How do I know when the stew is done?
You will be able to easily stick a fork in the meat and potatoes. It should be cooked to a temperature of at least 165 degrees [3]
How can I thicken the stew?
Mix a few tablespoons of corn starch or flour with the broth once all of the ingredients are finished cooking. [2]
Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on at home when not there?
Slow cookers are intended to be left unattended for several hours. However, for safety reasons, make sure it’s on a level, firm surface away from combustible things, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. [4]
References:
[1] M. Delgado, “A Brief History of the Crock Pot,” Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/brief-history-crock-pot-180973643/
[2] “The Science of Thickening Agents,” The Culinary Pro. https://www.theculinarypro.com/the-science-of-thickening-agents
[3] J. Kirby (ASPA), “Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures,” FoodSafety.gov, Apr. 12, 2019. https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/safe-minimum-internal-temperatures
[4] “Slow Cookers and Food Safety | Food Safety and Inspection Service,” Usda.gov, 2013. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/slow-cookers-and-food-safety
This was a very useful tutorial on how to make beef stew. I liked how you included videos as a visual aid with certain steps. Good work!
Beef stew is one of my favorite meals, but I have always made it from a can. I think I will try out this recipe. The videos are a really nice touch, especially in concerns to safety with knives in the kitchen. Awesome post.