Slow Cooker Beef & Vegetable Recipe

The other week I finally took the plunge and got my hands on a slow cooker.. I'd heard great things about slow cookers and was drawn in by the promise of healthy, easy and hearty meals (in just one pot!). The recipe that I have for you today was inspired by one that I saw on a YouTube video. The end result was delicious and as such I cannot recommend slow cookers enough. Today's recipe uses beef.. beef is not only a great source of protein but is rich in iron (needed for oxygen to be transported around the body - a lack of energy can be a sign of iron deficiency), zinc (for your immune system) and B vitamins (to maintain a variety of healthy bodily functions).

Here are the ingredients that I used..

700g beef (I used diced casserole beef and removed any visible fat)

1/3 cup flour (enough to coat the meat with a thin layer)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 large spring onions

5 carrots

4 large mushrooms

1 tsp garlic granules

1/3 cup (80ml) tomato puree

1 tin chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup (125 ml) red wine

2 tablespoons of thyme

Salt & pepper to season

And here's what to do..

1) Coat the beef pieces in the flour, shaking off any excess and pop the meat into your slow cooker over your hob or frying pan if you have a conduction hob like me with the oil - lightly fry the beef pieces until brown all over and put to one side
2) Add your chopped veg to the pan and fry until softened
3) Add the tomatoes, tomato puree, red wine, garlic and thyme and cook for 3-4 mins until softened
4) Add the beef back in to the pan and mix well
5) Add your beef mix to your slow cooker and cook for 3-4 hours on high, 4-6 hours on medium or 6-8 hours low.. then season with salt and pepper.