Beef stew in slow cooker

[~max~]

Hello! Can someone please tell me how much of each ingredient i need to buy to make a beef stew in a slow cooker (going to pick it up from argos now!) for 3 people? I have found numerous recipes on the internet but there are so many that I am now confused! How much beef, potatoes, carrots onions.... Also, do I need stock or can I just bung a beef cube in with some water? Thanks in advance!

[country_boy]

Off the top of my head, I'd go 1.5-2lbs beef, 1lb spuds, 3 carrots and 1 onion. But I do like my meat! Beef cube in water is fine, prob between 300-500ml. Make sure the spuds and veg are under liquid if poss, and around the same sized chunks for each type of veg. Brown the meat before chucking it in if you like.
If you're doing dumplings they take about 30 mins, but switch it to high setting beforehand and try to keep them out the liquid as much as poss.
Chuck in bay leaf/herbs/seasoning etc as you like. I think it's recommended to put dried herbs in towards the end of cooking.
Enjoy!

[country_boy]

Also don't panic if at first you think there isn't enough liquid, there will be! Don't forget to give it a good clean first too. Oh and don't stir too much as towards the end it's quite easy to destroy it!

[~max~]

Wow! Thank you so much Country_boy! That answers my question perfectly! :O) xxx

[country_boy]

You're welcome, and welcome to the wonderful world of slow cooking!

[theonlyone]

If you like boiled bacon cook it in the slow cooker with 50/50 strong cider and water , lovelyyyyyyy . When I make Xmas puds I steam them overnight , one of the best inventions ever

[~max~]

My stew is cooking away! :O)
I put it on medium and will leave it for about 5-6 hours, as it said on the instructions. The only thing that is bothering me a little is that the lid seems a bit small...It sort of moves about, although there is no "leak". Is that normal, or should the lid fit snuggly? It's a Morphy Richards:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumb er/4227573.htm

[Ethel]

I put swede and parsnip in mine as well. And lentils and pearl barley.

There is no 'right' way making a beef stew. Don't forget the dumplings.

[~max~]

They didn't have any in Tesco. :O(
As it's my first time, I didn't want to experiment too much and make them myself! I got some garlic bread to go with it though. I can't wait to see how it turns out! Thank you all for your advice.

[theonlyone]

The lid will rattle , quite normal , spear the meat to make sure it doesn't overcook , enjoy , now feel hungry !!!!!!!!

[devil99]

hi max hope your tea was yummy!! i find this site quite useful, slow cookers are a godsend if you're working all day, a good tea ready when you get home
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread .html?p=490232

[~max~]

Still cooking! I'm starving! lol Should be ready around 9, so I have some time to wait still...but I will update you!
I've made a start on the wine too.....:O)
I love that site, devil99! I use it a lot, but never actually came accross that thread. Thank you!