Beef Stew

Warm meals on cold days are good for the soul. On the next cold day, why not try this delicious, satisfying and healthier option for a beef stew.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A healthier version to beef stew that is just as delicious and easy to make with your slow cooker.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup whole wheat or chick pea flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 to 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 1/2 - 3 pounds *lean stew meat cut into small chunks - 1 - 1/2 inches
  • 1 1/5 - 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium diced onion
  • 4-6 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 4 cups low sodium, organic beef broth
  • 3 tsp chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 medium sweet potato cut into 1 inch chunks
  • 4 whole carrots cut into 1 inch chunks
  • 2 stalks celery cut into i inch chunks
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt and ground pepper. Add the beef cubes and coat with mixture.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, and brown the meat in small batches.
  • Add the meat to your slow cooker.
  • In the pan used to brown meat, add the onion and cook for 2 minutes then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, or until you can just smell the garlic.
  • Add onion and garlic to slow cooker and stir to combine meat, then add the bay leaf.
  • Add potatoes, carrots and celery and stir to combine all the ingredients.
  • Pour beef broth into the slow cooker.
  • Set your slow cooker on low for 6 hours or until meat is tender when pierced with a fork.
  • Add chopped parsley to each dish just before serving.

Notes

*When shopping for meat, look for tough cuts of meat that are very lean so they don't break down in the slow cooker.