Beef Stew

Nick and I were both working late tonight so I decided to go with a crock pot meal. This cooked for about 9 hours and I could smell it cooking as I walked up to the door! I served it over pasta but it would be fine by itself.

Ingredients

1 lb lean beef round - cut into 1 inch cubes

cooking spray

1 onion - chopped

2 c mushrooms - sliced

2 garlic cloves - minced

2 carrots - sliced

15oz can pinto beans - drained and rinsed

1 1/2 c canned beef broth

15oz can crushed tomatoes

1/2 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp thyme

salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Place beef in crock pot

2. Coat skillet with cooking spray. Add onion, mushrooms and garlic - saute over med/high heat for 5 minutes. Add to crock pot. Add carrots to crock pot. Put half of the beans into crock pot.

3. Put remaining beans in blender. Add 1/2 cup of the broth and puree. Add mixture to crock pot. Add remaining broth, tomatoes and spices.

4. Cook on high setting for 6-7 hours.