Rustic Slow Cooker Stew

This simple stew tastes totally gourmet, and is a snap to prepare -- your slow cooker does most of the work! This recipe yields enough to feed a very satisfied army!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 6 hr
• Total Time: 6 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 349 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup water (Optional)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (Optional)
• 2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
• ½ pound baby carrots
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed beef consomme
• 1 tablespoon water (Optional)
• 2 cups Burgundy wine
• 3 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard seed
• 5 red potatoes, cut into chunks
• ½ pound pearl onions, peeled

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Season the beef with salt and pepper, and place in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until evenly brown, and drain.

Step 2

In a slow cooker, mix the beef broth, condensed beef consomme, wine, water, mustard, and thyme. Place beef into the liquid, and stir in the potatoes, carrots, and onions.

Step 3

Cover, and cook 6 hours on Low or 4 hours on High. If you prefer a thick stew, mix the cornstarch and water together and stir into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time. Stir occasionally until thickened.