favorite beef stew

How To Make favorite beef stew

• Step 1
  Preheat large crockpot on low heat. Preheat large skillet on medium/high heat on stovetop with oil.
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  Step 2
  Cut beef into 1 1/4 inch cubes, In large mixing bowl combine beef cubes, worcestershire sauce, italian seasoning, garlic powder and red pepper flake. Let soak for a few minutes then dredge the beef tips in flour to coat liberally.
• 
  Step 3
  Brown beef in heated skillet for approximately 5-7 minutes stirring so that all sides are browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 4
  While pan is still hot deglaze with 1C water. Scrape drippings from the bottom of the skillet and add the drippings to the preheated crockpot.
• 
  Step 5
  Peel and dice the carrots, peel and half the onion and slice, chop celery, dice the potatoes (peeling is optional). If potatoes are russets I prefer to peel them.
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  Step 6
  Add the vegetables to the crockpot. Add the beef, stewed tomatoes, the second cup of water, dry onion soup mix, and bay leaf, cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. *I replace 1C of the water in this recipe with beer and it really amps it up!
• 
  Step 7
  The flour dusted on the beef in step 2 usually thickens this stew enough but If you need to thicken a bit - 30 minutes prior to serving combine corn starch and 1/2C cold water add to the bubbling stew broth. Should be like a gravy sauce when served.
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