Slow Cooked Beef Stew with Kale, Mushrooms and Bone Broth

There is nothing better than the smell of a rich delicious stew when it’s being prepared in a Crock-Pot. 

So I need to confess, I do not use my Crock-Pot as often as I should. And I honestly have no idea WHY. I love to cook, and every once in awhile, when I get really busy juggling a ton of different projects – trying to manage work, homeschool and social engagements – my healthy eating just goes out the window. And then whenever I make a Crock-Pot recipe I’m always kicking myself for not pulling it out more often during busy seasons. Healthy Crock-Pot recipes are SO PERFECT for making flavorful, hearty and healthy dishes that take minimal effort to prepare.

So this blog post is kind of my own personal reminder that I don’t have to wait for fall or cozy sweater weather to pull out the Crock-Pot!

Anyhoo, this is a classic beef stew recipe that is effortless and leaves you with a hearty meal whenever you are ready to indulge. It only takes about 15 minutes to prepare – just chop up some vegetables, quickly brown the beef stew meat, and then just throw everything into the Crock-Pot with some bone broth. Then just let the Crock-Pot do all the work!

We got this started in the morning and then happily continued on with our day of homeschool, housework and tackling the never-ending to-do list (anyone else in the throes of spring cleaning?!), and then when we were ready for a break and wanting to eat, this warm stew was waiting for us to enjoy!

It’s super yums, with a little bit of a kick! Give it a try!

Ingredients:

2 tbsp butter

1 lb beef chuck stew meat

5 garlic cloves, minced

6 cups beef bone broth

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 bunch of curly kale, shredded

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 onion, chopped

1 bay leaf

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp chili powder

½ tsp red crushed pepper

½ tsp cumin

 Instructions:

1. Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. 

2. Add the beef chunks and cook until the meat is just browned.

3. Move the beef chunks into your Crock-Pot along with the remaining ingredients and mix well. 4. Turn the Crock-Pot on high and cook for 4 to 5 hours, or on low for 7 to 8 hours.

5. When ready to serve, give this one final stir, the meat should be very tender. Serve and enjoy!