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FESTIVE SLOW-COOKED BEEF TIPS

We once owned an organic greenhouse and produce business. Weekends were hectic, so I made no-fuss meals like yummy beef tips to fortify us at day’s end.

—SUE GRONHOLZ BEAVER DAM, WI



PREP: 45 MIN. • COOK: 6 HOURS • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS


1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 pounds), cut into 2-inch pieces

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

1 celery rib, coarsely chopped

6 garlic cloves, halved

2 cups beef broth

1/2 cups dry red wine

1 fresh rosemary sprig

1 bay leaf

2 cans (4 ounces each) sliced mushrooms

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Hot cooked egg noodles

1. Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches. Remove with a slotted spoon to a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker.

2. In same pan, add onion and celery; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add broth, wine, rosemary and bay leaf. Bring to a boil; cook for 8-10 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to about 2 cups.

3. Pour over beef in the slow cooker; stir in the mushrooms. Cook, covered, on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender. Remove the rosemary and bay leaf.

4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, water and vinegar until smooth; gradually stir into the beef mixture. Serve with noodles.