Believe it or not, one of my favorite camping appliances is my crockpot. Of course, there’s nothing like a meal cooked over the campfire, but when I know we are going to be out hiking, sightseeing, or kayaking all day, it’s nice to come back to camp and have a hot dinner ready.

This savory stew is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients. You can prep at home to make it even easier. Served with a slice of buttered bread, it makes the perfect meal after a busy day of glamping activities.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean beef
• 3 large potatoes
• 1 celery stalk
• 2 large carrots
• 1 container of beef broth-32 ounces
• 1 packet of McCormick beef stew seasoning

Equipment needed:

• Crockpot (We use a basic Hamilton Beach 6 quart crockpot without a timer)
• Large spoon or ladle
• Plates or bowls
• Forks

Instructions

Preparation the Night Before

1. Cut the beef into stew sized cubes and place it in a zippered bag, then put it in the freezer until ready to pack up for your trip.
2. Peel and rinse the potatoes and cut them into chunks. Rinse them again in cold water with a tiny splash of white vinegar. This will prevent browning. Place them in a zippered bag and store in the refrigerator or cooler.

3. Wash and peel the carrot and cut it into slices. Rinse well and place in a zippered bag. Store in the refrigerator or cooler until ready to use.

4. Wash the celery stalk and remove leaves and strings. You can keep it whole or cut into slices. I prefer to leave it whole and remove it before serving.