Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew

[charisstoma]

Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew



Prep Time 15 MIN, Cook Time 6 hr, Total Time 6 HRS 15 MINS

THIS SUMMER BEEF STEW IS MADE IN THE SLOW COOKER SO THE HOUSE STAYS COOL. ENJOY THIS CLASSIC DISH WITH A SUMMER VEGETABLE TWIST!

Serves 4


INGREDIENTS

1 T extra virgin olive oil
1 1/4-1/2 pounds stew beef, cut into chunks
2 T flour
salt and pepper
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 shallot, thinly sliced
2 T tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
2 small zucchini, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
chopped fresh basil for garnish
grated parmesan cheese for garnish


INSTRUCTIONS

Place olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stove-top.
Toss beef with flour, salt and pepper in a small bowl until all the pieces all equally coated.
Add beef to the hot pot and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Transfer beef and all it's juices to the slow cooker.
Add garlic, bay leaf, shallots, tomato paste and broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and set for 6 hours on low heat.
Add zucchini and peppers 30 minutes before timer is up (after 5.5 hours of cooking), stir gently to combine and continue cooking with lid on for remaining 30 minutes. (*see note)
Serve with grain of choice (shown with creamy cheese grits).

RECIPE NOTES

If you want a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the slow cooker when you add the vegetables.

Nutrition
Calories 140
Sodium 30% 720mg
Fat 7% 4.5 g
Protein 12% 6g
Carbohydrates 6% 18g