Slow cookers are inexpensive, the cooking is simple, clean-up is a breeze, and it provides a super-efficient way to get a healthy dinner on the table. This Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe is a favorite recipe. There is nothing like opening your door on a cold winter evening and being hit with the smell of a warm stew bubbling away!

Ingredients

• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch chunks
• 1 medium onion, cut into ½-inch chunks
• 1 stalk celery, cut into ½-inch chunks
• 1 medium sized turnip, cut into ½-inch chunks
• 6 baby red potatoes, cut into quarters
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 large bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Layer the carrots, onion, celery, turnip, and potatoes in a 5-quart slow cooker.

2. Place flour in a large resealable plastic bag. Add stew meat; seal and toss to coat evenly .

3. In a large skillet, brown meat in oil in batches .

4. Once browned, place meat over the vegetables in the slow cooker .

5. Sprinkle salt and pepper over beef and veggies. Pour crushed tomatoes and water over top .

6. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 1 ½-2 hours or until meat and veggies are tender .

Tips

• Skip the beef browning step. Dump the raw beef directly on top of the veggies along with the herbs, seasoning, tomatoes and water. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 1 ½-2 hours.