Perfect Winter Beef Stew (serves 8)

Ingredients
3/4 cup Kraft Italian Dressing
2 lb beef or stew, such as beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch chunks
6 slices Oscar Mayer Bacon, chopped
1 cup chopped onions (about 1 large)
3 cups sliced mushrooms
3 cups sliced carrots
3 medium potatoes (about 1+1/2 lb), peeled, cut into large chunks
1 can (14+1/2 oz) stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14+1/2 oz) beef broth

Instructions
1. Place dressing and meat in large resealable plastic bag.
Refrigerate 30 minutes to marinate.
Meanwhile, cook bacon in large saucepan on medium heat 5 minutes or until crisp.
Remove bacon from saucepan; drain.

2. Add onions and mushrooms; cook on medium-high heat 10 minutes or until softened.
Remove meat from marinade; discard marinade.
Add meat, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes with their liquid, the broth and bacon to saucepan.
Bring to boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1 hour and 15 minutes.

3. Simmer uncovered, 15 minutes or until meat is tender and sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.

*I just made this in a crockpot. I put all the ingredients in and cooked it the whole day and when I came home at night...voila!

From Kraft Kitchens Calendar 2007.