WW Provencal Beef Slow Cooker Stew (4pts)

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean beef round, cut into 1-inch cubes (London Broil)
• 1 small onion(s), chopped
• 2 cup mushroom(s), sliced
• 2 medium garlic clove(s), minced
• 2 large carrot(s), sliced (about 1 cup)
• 15 oz canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/2 cup canned beef broth
• 14 1/2 oz canned crushed tomatoes, (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano, crushed
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme, crushed
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper 2 Tbsp thyme, fresh, or 2 whole sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Place beef in a 5-quart slow cooker. Coat a 12-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Add onion, mushrooms and garlic. Sauté over medium-high heat 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add to slow cooker. Add carrots.

Place half of beans in slow cooker. Place remaining beans in blender. Add 1/2 cup of broth to blender and puree. Add mixture to slow cooker. Add remaining broth, tomatoes, oregano, dried thyme, salt and pepper to slow cooker.

Cover and cook on high setting of slow cooker for 6 to 7 hours. Garnish with fresh thyme. Yields about 2 cups per serving