Beef Stew for a Rainy Day

It's nasty outside today with whipping winds and driving rains, but inside it smells delicious. I've got beef stew simmering in the crockpot. This is one of my daughter's favorite meals so I know she'll be excited when she walks through the door this afternoon to the smell of stew.

This recipe is very simple and can be partially prepared ahead of time.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

2 T olive oil

2 onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup flour

1 pound beef stew meat, cubed

3 large potatoes, peeled and chunked

15 baby carrots

1/2 pound mushrooms, chunked

1/2 cup water

1 can (14.5 oz) beef broth

3/4 t dried thyme

salt and pepper to taste

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook onions and garlic until softened.
• Put flour in a plastic bag.
• Add beef cubes and toss to coat.
• Add beef to onion mixture, cooking until meat is browned.*
• Place potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms in bottom of slow cooker.
• Add beef mixture.
• Add beef broth, water, thyme, salt and pepper.
• Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until meat is tender.

Serves 6.

*You can prepare up to this step the night before.