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

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

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt and ground pepper. Add the beef cubes and coat with mixture.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, and brown the meat in small batches.
  3. Add the meat to your slow cooker.
  4. 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.
  5. Add onion and garlic to slow cooker and stir to combine meat, then add the bay leaf.
  6. Add potatoes, carrots and celery and stir to combine all the ingredients.
  7. Pour beef broth into the slow cooker.
  8. Set your slow cooker on low for 6 hours or until meat is tender when pierced with a fork.
  9. 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.