Crockpot Beef Stew

I don't care if it's 100 degrees out, some days I just want a big, delicious bowl of homemade beef stew. My favourite way to do beef stew is in my beloved (and rather battered) crock pot. Recipe is as follows:

• 1 lb kg stewing beef
• 3 medium potatoes, chopped into chunks
• 1/2 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
• 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• 1 large Ziploc bag
• Optional: dash of Worcestershire sauce

• Open your Ziploc bag and pour in the stewing beef. Add the 2 tbsp flour and close the bag. Shake until the beef is evenly coated. This is the best way, I've found, to create a rich sauce with no lumps!
• Open the bag and add the salt, pepper, garlic, and parsley.
• Add the vegetables. This is a great job for little helpers.

• If you're adding the Worcestershire sauce, put it in now.
• Close the bag and shake until everything is well mixed.
• Pour into crockpot.
• Add the entire can of diced tomatoes.
• Add the water.

• Put on the lid and turn it on low. Cook for 6-8 hours, depending on your crockpot. I normally cook mine for 8 hours; until the beef is tender and flaky.

This is a really yummy and delicious dish that is a family favourite. Cooking it in the crockpot not only ensures that the beef is incredibly tender and all the flavours are infused, but doesn't heat up your house on a summer day. Be sure to check out the other participants in Cook it. Blog it.

*This dish can be made the night before. Simply prepare as above and remove the crockpot liner and lid. Store in the fridge until you're ready to cook it (no more than overnight).

**Don't forget about my 'fabulous' giveaway. You have until July 30th to enter. The winner will be drawn on July 31st!**