Paula's Stew

My crock pot has been working overtime lately. The weather has been so freezing cold for weeks, (-14 today plus wind chill)  that a hot meal waiting for you when you walk in the door is oh- so- welcoming!

A really simple and tasty meal is Paula Deen's stew. Honestly, you just want to lick the bowl clean. I get lazy and often skip the step of browning the meat before putting it in the crock pot,and it still is delicious.

When Brent walks in the door and smells this stew, he's one happy camper!

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• Paula's Stew
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• 2 pounds stew beef
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 c.water...I use beef stock
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic, peeled
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Dash of ground cloves
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• ( I add 2 or 3 potatoes,too)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Brown the stew meat in the oil. Transfer to crock pot. Add the rest of the ingredients except for the cornstarch. Cook on low 6-7 hours. Add the corn starch and stir, let simmer 15 minutes until thickened.