Chuck roast, a tough cut of meat, grows tender in the slow cooker. Serve this rustic stew with crusty bread.
Serves 6.
2 t olive oil
1 1/2 lb boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1″ pieces
1 1/2 t kosher salt, divided
1/2 t freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 T all-purpose flour
2 medium onions, each cut into 8 wedges
8 garlic cloves, crushed
1/4 C dry red wine
1 C fat-free, less-sodium beef broth
2 T tomato paste
3 bay leaves
3 fresh thyme sprigs
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
3 C (1″) slices zucchini
2 C (1″) slices carrots
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle beef with 1/2 t salt and 1/4 t pepper; dredge in flour. Add beef to pan, saute 2 minutes, browning on all sides. Place beef in an electric slow cooker. Add onions and garlic to pan; saute 5 minutes. Add wine to pan, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Place onion mixture in cooker. Add broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme and tomatoes to cooker; top with zucchini and carrots. Cover and cook on low 8 hours or until beef is tender. Stir in remaining 1 t salt and remaining 1/4 t pepper. Discard bay leaves and thyme sprigs.