MAKE AHEAD SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW RECIPES

Steps:

• Layer the potatoes, carrots, onion and celery in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Place flour in a large shallow dish. Add stew meat; turn to coat evenly. In a large skillet, brown meat in oil in batches. Place over vegetables., In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, broth, mustard, salt, pepper, thyme and, if desired, browning sauce. Pour over beef. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the meat and vegetables are tender. If desired, sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving.

Steps:

• Spray 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Add roast; turn to coat.
• Heat 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add beef roast; cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until browned on both sides.
• Transfer to slow cooker; pour 1/4 cup water over roast. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 7 to 8 hours or until beef is tender and easy to shred.
• Transfer beef to cutting board; cool slightly. Shred beef, discarding any pieces of fat. Toss beef with 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Discard remaining liquid.
• To Freeze: Divide beef into 2 portions (about 2 cups each). Place each portion in freezer container or resealable freezer plastic bag. Label with date. Cover and refrigerate until completely cooled, at least 1 hour. Transfer to freezer; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight or until completely thawed. Use in recipes calling for cooked shredded beef.
• To Make in Oven: Heat oven to 325°F. In large bowl, mix oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Add roast; turn to coat. Heat 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add beef roast; cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until browned on both sides. Pour 1 cup water over roast. Cover and roast 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, or until meat thermometer inserted in center of roast reads 190°F and beef is tender enough to shred easily. Remove from oven; let rest until cool enough to handle, about 30 minutes. Shred meat with 2 forks, discarding fat and cartilage as you go. Toss shredded beef in 1/2 cup of the pan liquid to coat. Discard remaining pan liquid. Freeze and thaw as directed above.