Crockpot Beef Stew

This is a very basic crockpot beef stew that is quick to prep and easy to cook. Perfect for a mid-week family meal and suitable for company any time.

It has just a little bit of spicy heat, courtesy of a jalapeno pepper or two.

It goes perfectly over hot buttered egg noodles with your favorite salad on the side.

The leftovers are even better the next day and the finished stew freezes well.

Basic Crockpot Beef Stew

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch pieces
4 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 large carrots, peeled and cut in 1 inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup tomato juice
1 can (14.5 ounces) stewed tomatoes
1 teaspoon herb seasoning
Kosher salt and ground black pepper

Season the cut pieces of stew meat with the kosher salt and black pepper, then transfer them to the bottom of the crockpot.

Arrange the potatoes and carrots over the beef and sprinkle with the chopped jalapenos.

Whisk together the tomato juice and stewed tomatoes, then pour this mixture into the crockpot. Cover the pot and cook on high for 1 hour, then turn it down and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Food For Thought - You can make this a really spicy stew by adding Tabasco and using canned tomatoes with peppers, such as Rotel. Instead of plain tomato juice, use one of the spicy tomato juices such as Snappy Tom.

You can also take out all the heat just by eliminating the jalapenos.

Good To Know - You can cut your morning prep time in half by preparing your vegetables and refrigerating them the night before. Keep the potatoes and carrots covered in water, and the chopped onion in a sealed plastic baggie with the chopped jalapeno peppers.

In the morning, drain the potatoes and carrots, and proceed as in the directions above.

On Your Own - Elevate your culinary horizons - add fresh herbs to discover new flavors you might not have experienced. Check out the produce aisle at your local markets for herbs and other flavoring sources, such as ginger, lemongrass and different kinds of chilies.

Farmers markets are a great resource for new and unusual products. Try them out in your beef stew. You never know what might prove to be a sensational culinary adventure!

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