Super Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

serves 6-8 (fits a 4-qt crock pot)

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (I used chuck)
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups sodium reduced beef broth
• 3 potatoes, diced (waxy potatoes are best - red, white, Yukon gold)
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalk celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn

Directions:

1. Place cubed beef in crock pot (no need to brown it first). Combine bay leaf, celery, carrots, onions, potatoes, salt,  pepper, garlic, parsley, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, 2 1/2 cup beef broth, and tomato paste in the crock pot. I used a 3.5 qt crockpot for this stew.  Don't be alarmed that the liquid is only a couple of inches deep (don't add additional liquid - there will be plenty when the dish is done). 
2. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours, or on high for 6-7 hours.
3. About 20 minutes before serving, add the peas, corn (no need to defrost first). In a small bowl whisk together the flour and remaining 1/2 cup of beef broth, creating a smooth paste. Stir into the stew. Replace the slow cooker cover and cook until thickened (about 15-20 minutes). Remove the bay leaf before serving.
4. Serve over rice or buttered noodles.

Enjoy!