Recipe: Slow Cooker Lower-Carb Beef Stew

Let the savory flavors of beef stew fill your home (and belly) with this protein-rich slow cooker recipe.

Makes: 4 servings

Prep time: 30 min

Cook time: 5 hr

Allergens: none

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef chuck (or beef stew meat), chopped into 1-in pieces
• 3 red potatoes, unpeeled, washed and dried, cut in 1-in cubes (about 2 cups)
• 1 red or white onion, peeled, chopped in 1-in pieces (about 1 ½ cups)
• 3 carrots, washed and dried, chopped in 1-in pieces (about 1 ¼ cups)
• 3 celery stalks, washed and dried, sliced in 1-in pieces (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled, roughly chopped
• 4 cups low sodium beef broth
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 ¼ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper powder
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• Water, as needed

Directions:

1. Pour olive oil into the slow cooker and set to sauté or highest heat level. Once warm, place the beef in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker. Cook each piece until evenly browned on each side, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Carefully pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir to loosen anything stuck to the bottom of the slow cooker, pouring in 1-2 Tbsp water as needed. Add the garlic, onions, and salt and cook until the onions have softened slightly, about 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute.
3. Add remaining vegetables and cook for 5-10 minutes or until the vegetables have softened and browned slightly, stirring every minute.
4. Set the slow cooker to a slow cook setting. Pour in the liquid to fully cover everything by at least ½-in, adding water as needed.
5. Stir before covering with the lid, leaving the steam valve slightly open, and cook on medium for 4-7 hours or low for 8-10 hours.
6. Cook meat until the internal temperature reads 145°F.

Recipe notes:

• Spices: About 2 Tbsp of spice blend of choice can be used in place of recommended spices.
• Paprika: Use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika for a sweeter (and less smokey) flavor.
• Garnish: Top with optional washed and dried fresh herbs, like parsley, before serving.
• More nutrition and fiber: To make it a meal, serve with nonstarchy veggies.

Nutrition facts (per serving):

Makes: 4 servings

Serving Size: about 2 ½ cups

Calories: 350

Total Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 3.5g

Cholesterol: 75mg

Sodium: 370mg

Total Carbohydrate: 28g (2 carb servings)

• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Total Sugars: 7g
• Added Sugars: 0g

Protein: 32g

Potassium: 1280mg

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