Slow Simmered Beef Stew in Slow Cooker or on the Range.

Slow Simmered Goodness in a One Pot Meal.

I really like that the simmer on my gas range is very low and I like to make those long simmering soups and stews but it is equally good cooked in a slow cooker all day.....  That is my current task.  I thought I would make this stew using a bottle of Brian's home brewed dark beer.  He has had good success with his brewing but it may be more work than we want to do long term.  The vote isn't in on that yet!

Ingredients for Slow Simmered Beef Stew:

4 pound chuck roast trimmed and cut into generous portions (2" x 3")
2 T. oil for browning the meat
1 large diced onion
1 clove garlic chopped
2 stalks celery cut into chunks
6 carrots peeled and sliced into 1/2" pieces
2 parsnips peeled and diced
1 large turnip peeled and diced
2 large potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
32 ounces beef stock
1 whole bottle of beer
1/2 of a small can of tomato paste
2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1/4 - 1/2 t. red pepper flakes
2 T. sugar

Brown the beef and add everything except the potatoes to a heavy dutch oven. Or in a skillet then transfer to a slow cooker.   Cover and simmer 4 hours and check for doneness or simmer on lowest temperature all day in a crock pot.,  Correct the seasonings and add the potatoes.  Simmer another 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

If you prefer the broth to be more of a thicker gravy add a slurry.  Make a slurry by mixing about 1/2 C. water and 3 T. flour.  Stir until smooth.  Add the slurry to the stew and cook until thickened.

Serve with hot crusty bread in large shallow bowels.  Yield 8-10 servings.