Slow Cooker Whiskey Beef (Printer-Friendly)

Tender beef simmered with whiskey, fresh herbs, and vegetables for a warm, flavorful dish.

# 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 and Spices

04 - 1 ½ tablespoons fresh sage
05 - 1 ½ tablespoons fresh oregano
06 - ¾ tablespoon fresh rosemary
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

14 - ½ cup whiskey (Jack Daniels, 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

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat a large 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 spray. Add seared beef, chopped vegetables, bay leaves, and fresh herbs. Stir to combine evenly.
03 - Mix beef broth, whiskey, and Worcestershire sauce, then pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
04 - Cover and cook on low for 8 hours for optimal tenderness and flavor. For faster cooking, use high setting for 4 to 6 hours, though low and slow is recommended.
05 - Approximately 20 to 30 minutes before the end of cooking, whisk cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir into the stew and continue cooking until the desired thickness is achieved. Add more slurry if necessary.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Searing the meat is essential to lock in flavor and maintain chunk integrity. Use fresh herbs for the best taste. The long cook time allows the alcohol from whiskey to fully evaporate, ensuring a family-friendly dish.