Slow-braised Beef Stew with Mushrooms

Had to fish out the orange an hour in and it's still too strong

This is over the top yummy. I made this exactly as directed, using organic chuck steak...trimmed of visible fat. I really wondered about all of the different flavours in this recipe but it did not disappoint. It turns out very rich and flavorful....the orange being the most noticeable flavour at least to my taste buds. I did have quite a bit of fat to skim off the top. This is a worthwhile endeavor however, because this dish is so rich, you really don't want extra fat in there. The surprise for me was how the mushrooms were cooked and the caramelization that occurred in the bottom of my cast iron skillet. I did not use a clean pan to thicken the sauce, I ended up with exactly 2 and 1/4 cups of liquid (after the 1 cup used in the mushrooms) and I thickened that in the bottom of my skillet thereby not losing any of the lovely dark sauce left from the mushrooms! I made this at home alone.....so......it was a test, it passed and I will certainly make this for guests!

I cooked this the other day for beef night at my house,the reviews was OUTSTANDING... I used ground chuck chunks and the favor was out the door I paired it with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and saute spinach. Keep this in mind that the Chinese 5 spice stinks like I don't know what! But it gives you that added favor that is needed in this wonderful recipe..I also paired it with a wonderful crusty bread and several glasses of a very good red wine..(Had a hard day at work) The night was truly beefy, for dessert I cooked my famous chunky chocolate peanut butter brownie cup cakes with pecan oreo crust yummy to our tummies

This was delicious! My husband had rave reviews, and even my picky eater liked it. Comparible to fine dining with little work.

I would give it a "solid recipe" rating. It's good, I like the spice combination, makes a nice size portion for hearty appetites, and is relatively healthy. However, it is time consuming, If I were a better cook, or enjoyed cooking more, I'd probably be quite happy with it. I would make this only occasionally.

This was a delicious recipe! NOT easy, which is how I usually like my slow cooker recipes. However, the meat was so beautifully tender and the flavors were delectable. We used a 4 # roast and chopped it up. We served it over mashed potatoes. Followed the recipe to a T and so glad I did. I'll make it again.

I thought this was really good and fairly easy and my guests liked it too. Use 1/2 short ribs and 1/2 chuck and the meat was tender and tasty. I would probably make this again, although not any time soon.

This recipe is a great recipe for both family and dinner guests...It is tender and delicious and full of flavor., and the presentation is beautiful....I did not have port or cream sherry, so substituted with red wine. It is always great when you can cook the meat in the crock pot, reducing the need to run the oven for hours.. This is a keeper..

I was not a big fan of this dish. I thought it was too much work for the outcome, but maybe with a few tweaks it would be better.

I followed the recipe 100%, even the orange peel and ginger. I can honestly say I was not disappointed. Maybe it could lose the orange peel, maybe not. The depth of flavor created following the recipe is just unbelievable. I won't say this will replace my beef stew favorite recipe but it will be something I will gladly serve guests, not just my family.

every good and easy! it smells so good while cooking. the beef is so tender. it is the first time I share my cooking with others, and everybody likes it! i don't do the last step to cook to mushroom. instead i finished the steps in slow cooker only. made my cooking easier.

SO GOOD! Smelled wonderful while it was cooking. Very easy to throw together in the crock pot. However, the finishing steps were a little more complicated that the usual slow cooker recipe. Flavors were amazing - slightly Asian. I imagine you could leave out the orange and 5 spice powder for a completely different, but still great, flavor. Served with a big salad and french bread.

Remarkably good and so easy! I left out the Chinese five spice because I didn't have any and it was still terrific! I served it over mashed red potatoes with a salad of mixed greens, roasted tomatoes and fresh orange from the orange you peel for the seasonings.

I enjoyed the meal but my mother and sister enjoyed it more.

Excellent recipe. Worthy of a company dinner and not difficult to make. Everyone I've served this to has raved about it. Also, unusual combination of herbs and spices not usually associated with a beef and mushroom stew. I served it with basmati rice.