Provencal Beef Stew

  How is your Monday going?  My Monday has been okay, but is getting better by the minute now that I am home, have gone on a brisk walk, and plan to eat this hearty bowl of goodness before yoga class.  Honestly, my mouth is watering just looking at it!  To make this Monday a little easier, I prepared this stew in my slow cooker. You can make your Monday night eats easier too with this simple recipe!

Provencal Beef Stew (inspired by Weight Watchers, tweeked my me:))

Non-stick cooking spray

1 pound lean beef cut into 1-inch cubes, I used lean pre-cut meat from my grocery store

1 small chopped onion

2 cups sliced mushrooms

2 pressed garlic cloves (I use my handy garlic press from Pampered Chef, or you can finly mince your garlic)

2 large sliced carrots (or you can use 20 baby carrots and save yourself the time as I did)

1 large stalk celery, sliced

1 15 oz. canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 1/2 cups reduced sodium, organic beef broth

1 11 1/2 oz can crushed tomatoes

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

2 large bay leaves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Spray a 5 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.  Place all ingredients into your slow cooker.  Stir, cover, and set your slow cooker on low for 7 to 8 hours.  This recipe should yield around 6, 2 cup servings.