Old Fashioned Whiskey Beef Stew (Print Version)
Tender beef, whiskey, fresh herbs, and veggies cooked low and slow for a rich, comforting dish.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meat
01 -
1 ½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 -
1 teaspoon salt
03 -
1 teaspoon black pepper
→ Herbs
04 -
1 ½ tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
05 -
1 ½ tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
06 -
¾ tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
07 -
2 bay leaves
→ Vegetables
08 -
6 large fresh mushrooms, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
09 -
3 celery stalks, chopped (about ½ cup)
10 -
1 large onion, chopped
11 -
4 carrots, chopped (about 2 cups)
12 -
⅓ cup okra, chopped
13 -
4 large potatoes, chopped
→ Liquids and Sauces
14 -
½ cup whiskey (Jack Daniels preferred, gluten-free)
15 -
4 ½ cups beef broth
16 -
1 ½ tablespoons gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
→ Thickening Agent
17 -
4 tablespoons cornstarch
18 -
5 teaspoons water
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Sprinkle salt and pepper over beef cubes. Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat and sear beef on all sides without cooking through to seal in juices and flavor.
02 -
Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Add seared beef, chopped vegetables, bay leaves, and fresh herbs. Stir gently to combine.
03 -
Mix beef broth, whiskey, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
04 -
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours for best results. For faster cooking, use high for 4 to 6 hours, though low and slow is recommended for tender meat and flavor development.
05 -
About 20 to 30 minutes before cooking completes, whisk cornstarch with water to form a slurry and stir into the stew. Continue cooking until desired thickness is achieved. Add more slurry if necessary.
06 -
Serve warm with biscuits, dinner rolls, or low-point bread alternatives.
# Extra Tips & Details:
01 -
Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Searing beef locks in juices and enhances taste. Cooking on low heat for several hours yields tender meat. Alcohol in whiskey evaporates during slow cooking, making it family suitable.