Old Fashioned Whiskey Beef (Printer-Friendly)
Hearty slow-cooked beef with whiskey, fresh vegetables, and herbs for a comforting meal.
# What 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 & Spices
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
13 -
4 large potatoes, chopped
→ Liquids & Sauces
14 -
½ cup whiskey (Jack Daniels or any gluten-free brand)
15 -
4 ½ cups beef broth
16 -
1 ½ tablespoons gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
→ Thickening Agent
17 -
4 tablespoons cornstarch
18 -
5 teaspoons water
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the beef cubes. Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan 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 to the slow cooker. Stir to combine evenly.
03 -
Mix beef broth, whiskey, and Worcestershire sauce together. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
04 -
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Alternatively, cook on high for 4 to 6 hours if time is limited. Slow and low cooking yields the best tenderness and flavor.
05 -
About 20-30 minutes before cooking completion, combine cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and continue cooking until desired thickness is reached. Add more if necessary.
06 -
Serve the stew warm alongside biscuits, dinner rolls, or low-point bread alternatives.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Searing the beef is crucial for sealing in flavor and ensuring the chunks hold together during slow cooking.
02 -
Use fresh herbs for optimal flavor; dried can be substituted at half the amount but will yield less vibrant results.
03 -
Whiskey’s alcohol content evaporates during cooking, making the dish family-friendly and gluten-free.
04 -
Slow cooking on low heat for at least 6-8 hours produces the most tender and flavorful results.