Crock-Pot Beef Stew

It's the middle of April. I'm currently bundled up in my recliner, trying to stay warm. This weather is stupid. It was so pretty and warm this weekend, and now it's cold. There are several things that are just perfect for cold days, and one of those is beef stew. It just has a way of warming your entire body.

And what is the easiest way to make beef stew? In a Crock-Pot! I certainly have a love affair with my Crock-Pot, if you haven't noticed by now. It's one of the best things my husband ever got me, and he actually got away with giving it as a Valentine's Day gift! Screw perfume or jewelry or roses. I'll take my Crock-Pot and I'll love it forever. But back to the beef stew...

It's really easy to make. The majority of my prep work was just cutting vegetables. Unless you're just ridiculously slow with cutting veggies, it should take you less than 15 minutes to get it all together.

Here's what you need:

• 1 1/2 - 2 lb of beef tips (It saves you the trouble of having to cut any meat.)
• 1 1/2 C of beef stock (You can use beef broth too, but stock is preferable.)
• 1 can of tomato paste
• 1 Tbs of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbs of soy sauce
• 1 Tbs of balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbs of all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbs of salt
• 1 Tbs of pepper
• Carrots (as many as you want)
• Potatoes (as many as you want, and red or russet both work)
• 1 medium onion (I usually only use half of the onion)
• An additional 4 Tbs of flour (for later)
• An additional 3/4 C of beef stock (for later)

Here's what you do:

• Put the beef tips, beef stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, flour, salt, and pepper into the crock pot. 
• Mix together with a wooden spoon.
• Top with the carrots, potatoes, and onion.
• Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 5 hours.
• About 30 minutes before serving, add in your additional 4 Tbs of flour and 3/4 C of beef stock and stir. This is to help it thicken.
• Let the stew cook for the last 30 minutes, then serve. 

 
CM loves a thick stew, so if you prefer something thinner, I suggest not adding the additional flour and stock, or just adding 2 Tbs of flour and 1/4 C of stock.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think! Be sure to share this with your family and friends!