Crock Pot Beef & Veggies

Oh my yum. I love this recipe, I've used a similar method in the past with seasoning packets. This time I mixed it up a bit by throwing the veggies right into the crock to save some time. What I learned? Use less onion, otherwise your eyes will burn when you enter your home for about a day. This is a simple and healthy meal, great served over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies. Hearty and healthy, perfect for those cold rainy days.

Crock Pot Beef & Veggies
     serves 6

• 16 ounces cubed Beef, the cheap stuff works just fine (600 calories)
• 4 Carrots, roughly chopped (90 calories)
• 4 Russet Potatoes, roughly chopped (300 calories)
• 6-8 ounces Bella Mushrooms, halved or quartered (36 calories)
• 1/4 small white or yellow Onion, finely diced (8 calories)
• 1 packet Ranch Dressing mix (80 calories)
• 1 packet Brown Gravy mix (80 calories)
• 1 packet Italian Dressing mix (20 calories)
• 1 cup warm water
• Chives for garnish, optional

Cooking & Preparation Instructions

Prep all of the veggies while the meat sits on your counter, let it come up to room temperature for a bit. Once the veggies are washed, peeled, chopped and diced throw them into the crock pot along with the beef. In a cup of warm water add the seasoning packets, whisk until the lumps are gone. Pour the seasoning mixture over the meat and veggies and give it a little toss. You have two options, depending on time constraints. You can cook this on high for 4-5 hours, or cook it on low for 7-8. Low is always the best way with crock pots because it gives the flavors a chance to get better acquainted with one another. However, I cooked this on high and it turned out just fine. The carrots took the longest to cook, and I had not had a time restraint on this meal I would have let it simmer another hour to get the veggies nice and soft. 

This recipe puts you at roughly 202 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. I can't always find McCormick brand spice packets so I buy whatever is at the store. It is usually around 80-100 calories each for the ranch and brown gravy, the Italian mix is much lighter on the calories. The three spice together are heavenly. They add a lot of kick, and you can skip the onion altogether. I might try it that way next time! Serve with rice or veggies, and enjoy!