🍲 Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew 🍄

**Savor the Comfort: A Hearty Stew for Busy Lives**

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳
1. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
3. To the slow cooker, add sliced mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Make a slurry by whisking the flour with a bit of water in a small bowl. Stir this into the slow cooker to help thicken the stew.
5. Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
6. Serve the stew garnished with freshly chopped parsley. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎
- Calories: 400 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 20g

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡
- For a richer flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine after sautéing the onions and garlic.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix an additional tablespoon of flour into the slurry.

⏳ Preparation time 🕰️
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 7-8 hours on LOW or 4-5 hours on HIGH
- Serving: Serves 6