CLASSIC BEEF STEW BETTY CROCKER RECIPES

Steps:

• In 5-quart Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium-high heat 7 to 9 minutes, stirring frequently, until bacon is browned and crisp. With slotted spoon, remove bacon to 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.
• Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add half of the chicken to bacon drippings in Dutch oven; cook 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned. Remove chicken to slow cooker with bacon. Repeat with remaining chicken.
• Add 1 tablespoon of the butter to Dutch oven; stir in onion, carrots and mushrooms. Cook 5 to 7 minutes or until onion is tender and mushroom juices have released. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
• Add wine; heat to boiling, scraping bottom to release any brown bits. Cook 3 to 5 minutes or until wine is reduced by half. Transfer mixture to slow cooker. Stir in chicken broth, thyme and bay leaf. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 4 to 5 hours or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
• In small bowl, mix flour and water; stir into slow cooker. Cover; cook on High heat setting 20 to 25 minutes or until thickened. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Discard bay leaf. Garnish with parsley. Serve with mashed potatoes.

Steps:

• Stir together flour and mustard in medium bowl. Cut in shortening, using pastry blender or fork, until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in cheese. Add milk; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.
• Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto simmering stew. Cover; cook over medium-low heat 20 to 25 minutes or until dumplings are firm when pressed.