Beef Stew

Nothin' fancy here, but beef stew is a favorite and oh so comforting!  I have used this recipe for beef stew since the beginning of our marriage.  It came in a recipe booklet with the crock pot we received as a wedding gift.  I've tweaked it a bit over the years but it is simple, delicious and definitely a family favorite!

Beef Stew

serves 8

2.5 lbs. beef stew meat, cut in 1-in. cubes
scant 1/2 c. flour
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
4 c. beef broth
1 T. Worcestershire sauce

2 T. tomato paste

1 T. beef bouillon
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 bay leaves
1 1/2 t. paprika
6-8 carrots, sliced
5-6 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 stalks celery
1 c. frozen peas (optional)

Mix flour, salt and pepper in the bottom of a crock pot.  Add stew meat and stir well to coat meat with flour.  Add remaining ingredients, reserving peas until the last 30 minutes, and stir to mix well.  Cover; cook on low 10-12 hours (or high 4-6 hours); add peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.  Remove bay leaves and stir stew thoroughly before serving.

**Alternately, you can cook in a dutch oven at 275 degrees for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.