Slow Cooked Beef in Wine and Broth with Herbs

There are many days I crave stews. Stews are delicious my favorite part being the sauce. Why? To pour that silky sauce over white rice is heaven to me! Back to the story. This week I was craving a stew, but I wanted to make my own creation. I have followed many recipes that I decided to take what I have learned to venture out on my own. I used my trusty slow cooker for this recipe, as you all know it is my favorite kitchen appliance. Saturday my mom and I had a day planned out to go to the mall, then the movies ... our little girls day out. I didn't want to be thinking about dinner or thinking about getting home to make dinner so the night before I thawed a chuck roast to prep in the AM for slow cooker cooking! For this recipe you can certainly use whatever cut of meat you would prefer for a stew; you can also adjust the amount of herbs to your taste. I would consider this a simple, basic stew recipe that you can use to build your own recipe. I like simplicity but the wine is the ingredient that adds that extra depth of flavor. Please feel free to add or expand this recipe!

Recipe:
2lbs chuck roast
1 onion, chopped
4 carrots, chopped in large pieces
1 cup beef broth
1 cup red wine
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste

1. Cut the chuck roast into 1-2 inch pieces. Chop onions and carrots in large pieces. Place all in slow cooker.

2. Add the broth, wine, thyme, paprika and salt and pepper. Mix in slow cooker.

3. Cook on low for 8 hours.

4. Serve with rice or vegetables. Enjoy!