What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!

A traditional style slow-cooked beef stew with button mushrooms

4 pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
1 small onion, cut up
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3/4 pound button mushrooms
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup water
In a large skillet, brown the stew meat in batches in the 2 tbsp oil; add more oil if necessary. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper (the beef broth contains salt as well). Place stew meat in slow cooker insert.
In the same skillet, cook the onion, carrots, and celery for about 10 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add mushrooms and saute for an additional 10 minutes. Stir in the mustard, beef broth, and parsley. Transfer to slow cooker, pouring mixture over the stew meat.
Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce slow cooker temperature to low and cook for 4 hours longer, or until meat is tender.
Remove meat and vegetables from slow cooker and place in large bowl; keep warm. Turn the slow cooker to high. Combine the flour and water; mix until smooth. Add to the liquid in the slow cooker, stirring until well combined. Cook, covered, until gravy is hot and thickened.
Return the meat and vegetables to slow cooker; keep warm until ready to serve.
GrandmaMom
What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!
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reviews & comments
January 25, 2010
A gal at the market overheard me complaining about the cost of stew beef and she suggested I buy a roast and cut it up myself - I did and saved 75 cents/pound I had a hard time finding button mushrooms (Trader Joe's had them) but it was worth the effort the meat melted in my mouth this recipe is truly Delish!!!!