Apple Cider Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen  vegetables, for stew thawed (about 24 oz)

• 1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained

• 1 (4 1/2 ounce) jar sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes

• 2 (8 ounce) envelopes brown gravy mix
• 2 tablespoons onion soup mix
• 2 teaspoons steak seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can beef broth
• 1 1/4 cups apple cider, or
• 1 1/4 cups unsweetened apple juice

• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/3 cup cold water

Directions

1. 1

   Place the first four ingredients in a 5-qt slow cooker. In a large, resealable plastic bag, combine the gravy mix, soup mix, steak seasoning, and cinnamon; add beef, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat. Add to slow cooker.

2. 2

   Combine the broth, cider and tomato sauce; pour over beef. Add bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until meat is tender.

3. 3

   Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into stew. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes or until thickened. Discard bay leaf.