Veggie Beef Stew - Crockpot Favorite

• 1 lb beef
• Homemade steak  seasoning about 1 1/2 Tablespoons (recipe below)
• 2 onions
• 1 leek
• 3-4  cloves of garlic
• CHOP veggies into bite sized pieces
• 3 carrots chopped
• 1/2-1 lb green beans
• 1 zuchini
• 1 summer squash
• 1-2  cups of sliced mushrooms
• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp marjoram (if you have it on hand)
• 1 to 1/2 quarts of beef broth

To infuse your stew with flavor, it is good to sear the meat. First sprinkle with your homemade steak (stew) seasoning covering well. Pour a dollop of EVOO in a pan, and sear meat in the pan with onions and leeks and the fresh garlic. Add herbs. This is going to smell fabulous, but don't taste it!  Saute 3-5 minutes. Add chopped veggies in, all at once, stir and cook quickly. Add broth and stir well.

Transfer to crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Serve with a big salad and some whole grain rolls or bread if desired.

Homemade steak seasoning

In a small jar combine:

• 1 Tbs. Cracked Pepper
• 1 Tbs. Sea Salt (full of nutrients)
• 1 Tbs. Garlic powder
• 1 Tbs. Onion powder

Combine all four spices, blend well and use to season steaks, chicken, stew meat and just about any meat out there. You will use about 1/4 of this recipe  for the stew, and have some left over to season other dishes! How simple is that?

This is a fabulous, simple, inexpensive, all purpose seasoning where YOU control the ingredients and make it without additives, toxic MSG or bad chemicals! Note "Tbs" means tablespoon.

Copyright 2011 by Lisa Baughn of www.ThePrudentWife.com ~ No part of this article may be reproduced, emailed, forwarded or blogged without the author's permission

Lisa Baughn shows you how to save time, money and sanity while learning to thrive in the “new economy,” equipping you to get out of debt faster. Creative ideas to live again, nail one debt at a time, revamping your lifestyle and attitude. Enjoy signature how-to videos which explode open easy cooking techniques with simple gourmet meals and maximum nutrition. Thrive in the new economy! Great ideas and tips can be found at her website www.ThePrudentWife.com