Manic Monday...

When I (Leila) woke up this morning, I realized that my time in which to accomplish my usual Monday tasks had been cut in half. I have lunch plans with a good friend today, so I won't be home to do what I usually do; including dinner prep for the week. (Yes, the week!) So what's a busy mom to do in a situation like this?? Pull out the slow cooker of course!

So today's 'quick' meal is called Butter Beef. I stumbled upon it several years ago while searching for an alternative to your basic pot roast. You see, pot roast intimidates me. I know, I know; it's really not that hard. As a matter of fact, it might even be easier than my Butter Beef. For me though, you might as well make me do calculus. ;) Anyway, the butter beef. The recipe is deceptively simple. The result is fabulous! So without further ado, I give you:

SLOW COOKER BUTTER BEEF

Ingredients:

2-3lbs stew beef (or a chuck roast cut into 1½"-2" cubes)
¼ cup butter; cut into small pieces (This ingredient is optional.)
1 packet onion soup mix
1 can (15oz) beef broth
baby carrots

Directions:

1. Season beef liberally with salt, pepper or prepared steak seasoning (I use Montreal Steak Seasoning from McCormick).

2. In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown the beef until just a little color is on the meat. This step is OPTIONAL. I find it makes the dish even better when I do brown the meat though.

3. In slow cooker, place a layer of baby carrots and a couple of the butter chunks on the bottom. Layer some of the meat over the carrots and repeat as needed.

4. Add in onion soup mix and beef broth. Cover and cook on high 2-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. (My cooker cooks hot, so low for 3 hours is pretty much perfect.)

We server this over egg noodles and with a good crusty bread. Even Devin, my super picky punk, eats this one!

Enjoy everyone!