Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Stew: Some dinners are family favorites because they are easy to make and taste really good. This slow cooker ranch beef stew is one of those meals. It has a cozy, homemade feel — soft beef, simple vegetables, and a creamy, tangy taste from ranch dressing. The gravy is rich and warm, perfect for a chilly day. You just add everything to the slow cooker, and it cooks by itself while your kitchen fills up with a yummy dinner smell.

You can serve this stew with warm rolls with butter, a piece of cornbread, or crusty bread to dip in the creamy broth. If you want more food on the table, try a fresh green salad, steamed green beans, or buttered peas. For a bigger meal, spoon the stew over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or warm rice.

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds frozen raw beef stew meat
• 1 cup bottled ranch dressing
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 cups baby carrots
• 1 medium onion, chopped

Slow Cooker Ranch Beef Stew: Directions

1. Prepare the slow cooker. If you want easier cleanup later, lightly spray or grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the frozen beef stew meat in the bottom, spreading it out into one even layer so it cooks evenly.
2. Add the vegetables. Sprinkle the chopped onion over the beef first, then add the potato chunks and baby carrots on top. Try to spread them out evenly so every bite gets some veggies.
3. Pour on the ranch dressing. Slowly pour the bottled ranch dressing over the entire top of the stew. Make sure it drips down into the gaps between the meat and vegetables so the flavor spreads through the whole pot.
4. Cook low and slow. Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours. The beef should be soft and tender, and the vegetables should be fully cooked. About 20–30 minutes before serving, stir the stew well so the melted dressing and meat juices mix together into a smooth, creamy gravy.
5. Serve and enjoy. Scoop the hot stew into bowls right away. Serve it with warm bread, rolls, or your favorite simple side dish.