Crock-Pot Beef Stew

We are a massive fan of the Crock-Pot here at North-West Jobs. We can’t tell you just how many happy coversations have taken place in our canteen over their simplicity, convience and versatility. We must admit however, that these conversations normally take place in winter months. Slowcooker recipes normally lend themselves to winter food. Warm and cosy soups and stews spring to mind when we think of the Crock-Pot.

However, in the month of july, when we should be reclining in the garden with a good book and a chicken salad, we find ourselves getting our tights and jumpers back out and craving something a little more hearty and warming meals. The July weather has been nothing short of an abomination of late, with torrential rain and less than tropical temperatures.

So we thought we’d ease the pain with a delicious beef stew. Although it’s normally a lovely winter dish, we’re feeling quite wintery. So here you are. Toss the ingredients in the crockpot in the morning and off you go, a delicious stew will be waiting when you get home.

Ingredients

• 500g lean chuck beef, cut into cubes
• 3 stalks celery, cut into slices
• 3 large carrots, sliced into thick rounds
• 2 medium potatoes of any variety, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup roasted bell peppers
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1/4 cup white whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 beef stock pots depending on taste
• 1 cup of red wine

1 Pat beef cubes dry with a paper towel and season with salt & pepper. Spread flour out on a small plate and dredge the beef cubes in the flour, coating all sides. Shake off excess flour.

2 Place oil in bottom of a large pot over medium heat. Add some of the beef cubes and cook until all the outsides are brown. The Beef does not need to be cooked through, just lightly browned.

3 Once that’s done, add all the other ingredients into the pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

4 Come home from work, serve and enjoy.

5 Feel all warm and cosy.