Classic Beef Stew in a Crock Pot

Mrs.Habu's Note:

This is the best beef stew I've ever made. It tastes great with a crunchy loaf of bread. I got this recipe from Real Simple (March 2004 edition). You'll need a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker. Browning the beef adds more flavor.

• Total Time: 4 hrs 35 mins
• Prep Time: 35 mins
• Cook Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 lbs bottom round steaks , well trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2⁄3; cup olive oil
• 2 large onions , diced
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 large potatoes , cut into 2 inch pieces
• ½ lb baby carrot
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup frozen peas , thawed

Directions:

1. Put the flour in a large Ziploc bag.
2. Add the beef and seal.
3. Toss to lightly coat the beef.
4. Heat a few tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Brown the meat in small batches, adding more oil as necessary.
6. Transfer to the slow cooker.
7. Add the onions to the skillet and cook over medium heat until tender, about 10 minutes.
8. Stir in the tomato paste and coat the onions then transfer to the slow cooker.
9. Pour the wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits and then add to the slow cooker.
10. Stir in the potatoes, carrots, broth, salt, thyme, and bay leaf.
11. Cover and cook on low heat for 7 1/2 hours or on high for 4 hours.
12. Add the peas and heat through before serving.

Reviews

[Nymphadora Tonks]

This is a big hit even with the kids! As long as they don't see what goes into it! The flavours are rich and homey. Love it!

[Cooknma']

This was the best stew I've ever made. I did however tweaked it up a bit. I used a chuck roast, used the suggested Brandy with water and added one 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes. The gravy was thck and tasty! This willbe a part of my recipe repetoir FOREVER! my husband has asked me to make it again!

[MistressRach]

Not really sure what happened, but even after 9 hrs on low the potatoes weren't cooked through. Luckily we had a change in plans and I was able to let it cook more over night and the next day. When we ate it 32 hrs after it went in the crock the potatoes were still firm, but cooked.
The meat was super tender and the sauce was really flavorful. I'll definitely make it again, but I might par cook my potatoes.