### Delicious Beef Stew with Zucchini in Crock Pot / Slow Cooker: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction:
Beef stew with zucchini is a comforting, hearty dish that's perfect for cooler months or any time you're craving something warm and satisfying. Cooking this recipe in a crock pot or slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare and ensures your meal stays hot and delicious.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: thyme, rosemary, or other herbs of your choice
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Ingredients**:
- Slice the zucchini into thin rounds.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. **Cooking in a Crock Pot / Slow Cooker**:
- Place the beef stew meat in your crock pot or slow cooker.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil over the meat to coat it lightly.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic on top of the meat, mixing gently.
3. **Layering Vegetables and Broth**:
- Pour in the beef broth until it just covers all the ingredients.
- Add diced carrots and cubed potatoes on top.
- Sprinkle tomato paste over everything for added flavor.
- Place a bay leaf among the vegetables.
4. **Season with Herbs (Optional)**:
- If you like, add some fresh thyme or rosemary leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
5. **Cooking Process**:
- Cover your crock pot / slow cooker and set it to low heat.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
6. **Adding Zucchini**:
- About an hour before you finish cooking, add the sliced zucchini on top of all other ingredients.
- Ensure it’s evenly distributed to cook properly without overcooking the zucchini.
7. **Final Adjustments**:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- If desired, stir in some fresh herbs or a splash of red wine for additional depth of flavor.
8. **Serving**:
- Once cooked, remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes to soak up all those yummy juices.
#### Tips and Variations:
- For extra richness, consider using beef stock instead of plain water in the broth.
- You can add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for more texture and flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs according to your taste preferences.
By following these detailed steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and comforting beef stew with zucchini that’s perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy your meal!