SLOW COOKED TO PERFECTION

 Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about 

SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW

yield: 8 SERVINGS

prep time: 15 MINUTES

cook time: 8 HOURS 35 MINUTES

total time: 8 HOURS 50 MINUTES

Everyone’s favourite comforting beef stew made easily in the crockpot! The meat is SO TENDER and the stew is rich, chunky and hearty!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound baby red potatoes, quartered
• 4 carrots, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, optional
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season beef with salt and pepper, to taste. Add beef to the skillet and cook until evenly browned, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Place beef, potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic into a 6-qt slow cooker. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme, rosemary, paprika, caraway seeds and bay leaves until well combined; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and 1/2 cup stew broth. Stir in flour mixture into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking