Can Dinner Really Be This Easy?!

For those of you that know me, you won't be surprised that I am once again raving about my crock pot.     It is so easy to make an awesome dinner, with little to no effort or clean up.  I am convinced that you can toss just about anything into this underrated appliance and it will be delicious! The added bonus of cooking your own meals is that you can control what goes into it.  Forget about pre-packaged, processed foods...you have all of the tools that you need to start eating better now!

 Tonight I decided to make beef stew and it turned out great!  If you know how to use a knife to cut some vegetables, and if you have some seasonings in your pantry, you can make this recipe.  Serve it with a salad and some Italian bread.  It's the perfect weeknight meal!  Enjoy!  

Crock Pot Beef Stew

Ingredients: 

1 lb stew meat (I use organic beef)

2-3 celery stalks chopped (leaves included)

3 Idaho potatoes (peeled and cubed)

1/2 onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 32 oz carton of lower sodium chicken or beef stock (or broth)

1 12 oz can of low sodium V-8

1 tb spicy mustard

1tb Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp chilli powder

1 tsp hot paprika 

3 bay leaves (remove after cooking)

1 tsp basil

salt and pepper to taste  

Directions:  Place all ingredients into the crock pot, stir to combine.  The liquid should just cover the meat and vegetables.  Turn on low and cook for 4-6 hours.  The meat will shred with a fork when cooking is complete.