Thursday, February 25, 2016

Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef Stew

This was an IMMEDIATE favorite!  It's so flavorful!  Will be a family favorite from here on out!

Slow Cooker Balsamic Beef Stew
1 1/2 lbs of beef stew meat, cubed
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1 lb potatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 lb of carrots, peeled & cut into 1/4 inch slices
3-4 cloves of garlic minced
8oz can of tomato sauce
1 cup water
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar (for the balsamic reduction)
2 bay leaves


For the balsamic reduction

Pour the 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Bring the vinegar to a boil. Turn down the heat so that boil reduces to a simmer. Stir occasionally and allow to simmer until the vinegar has reduced by at least half- about 1/4 cup. Set aside and allow to cool slightly.


While the balsamic reduction is cooling, place the cubed stew meat in a large bowl. Add the flour, salt, pepper, & paprika to the meat and toss to coat well. Heat a tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet and brown the beef cubes.


Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the celery, carrots, and garlic to the slow cooker. Dump in the browned meat.


In a medium bowl, whisk together the garlic, tomato sauce, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, & balsamic reduction. Pour over the veggies and beef in the slow cooker.
Give it a stir, and then drop in the 2 bay leaves.
Cook on Low for 5-6 hours.


Fish out the 2 bay leaves before serving.
Ladle into bowls and serve with warm bread.
Enjoy!


Found via pinterest over at http://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/
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