Karens Beef Stew

• 2 pounds beef top round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound  potatoes, washed and quartered
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 3/4 cup beef broth
• 1/3 cup additional beef broth
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 Bay Leaves

DIRECTIONS

• 1
  Brown been on all sides. In a slow cooker combine the carrots, potatoes, and red pepper. Pour tomatoes over the top. In a small bowl whisk the flour, tomato paste and broth until smooth. Stir in the “additional broth”, salt, garlic, pepper, thyme and pour into slow cooker. Top with beef cubes.
• 2
  Toss in two bay leaves (remove before serving)
• 3
  Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until meat is tender.