Spicy Slow Cooker Provencal Beef Stew

Spicy Slow Cooker Provencal Beef Stew (Serves six to eight people)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour

• 1 onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 cup dry red wine

• 2 tbsp. tomato paste

• 1 tbsp. dried thyme

• 1 tbsp. dried rosemary

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 tbsp. olive oil

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with the flour until evenly coated.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

3. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the same skillet and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.

4. Pour the tomato mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is very tender.

5. Remove the bay leaves from the slow cooker and discard. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

6. Serve the Provencal Beef Stew hot, garnished with chopped parsley.