Help w/ slow cooker beef stew recipe?

Question

i have the McCormick slowcooker seasoning but it still needs some more flavor, plus when do i add the flour? when i start or 30 min. before its done? why does it say add only 1/3 cup of water? it doesn't even cover the meat & potatoes. how much water do i really use? i'm new to slow cooking so any advice would be a big help.us

Answer 1

you can add another packet of seasoning anytime , you can put the liquid to the 3/4 mark on the crockpot.....

you dont want to go an highe because the slow simmering will eventually be a slow boil,

as far as the flour goes... i wouldnt do that till last minute..... take all tthe juice out,  make a roux (flour and water shaken well) and adding it slowly to the liquid of your stew until you get the consistency you desire.....

Answer 2

I've never used the McCormick stew seasoning so I can't help you with that, but you can make a delicious beef stew in your slow cooker like this:

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 onion, chopped

1 1/2 cups beef broth

3 potatoes, diced

4 carrots, sliced

1 stalk celery, chopped

Place meat in slow cooker. In a small bowl mix together the flour, salt, and pepper; pour over meat, and stir to coat meat with flour mixture. Stir in the garlic, bay leaf, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, onion, beef broth, potatoes, carrots, and celery.

Cover, and cook on Low setting for 10 to 12 hours, or on High setting for 4 to 6 hours.

Answer 3

I don't know about the flour.  I think if it's for thickening the gravy I'd wait until the final 30 minutes.  The water issue is easier.  Since the pot is covered any moisture can't escape so as your meat, potatoes & veggies cook they release water.  The 1/3 cup is just enough to get everything started.  

If you want to experiment in the future try adding a packet of Lipton Onion soup in as seasoning.  Or for more, but thinner, gravy a can of Cambells condensed onion soup.