Around these parts, we're all about hearty meals that feel like a warm hug at the end of the day, especially when the days are still a bit cool but the promise of spring hangs in the air. This recipe for Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Beef Bites & Spring Vegetables is just that—a comforting, one-pot delight that's both easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser for the family. Inspired by the simplicity of rustic cooking, this dish is a marvelous way to welcome in the spring season by incorporating tender vegetables that are just coming into season. It's perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a meal that's ready to serve and fills your home with the most inviting aromas.

This hearty dish is a standalone star, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the savory juices. For a lighter touch, a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette will balance out the meal nicely.

Servings: 6-8

- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup baby carrots, halved
- 1 cup pearl onions, peeled
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup asparagus tips
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

1. Place the beef in the slow cooker and drizzle with olive oil. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Toss to coat the beef evenly with the herbs and seasonings.

2. Pour the beef broth over the herb-coated beef. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender to your liking.

3. About 30 minutes before serving, add the halved baby carrots and pearl onions to the slow cooker. Let them cook until just tender.

4. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the snap peas and asparagus tips, letting them get tender-crisp.

5. If you desire a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with the tablespoon of water until smooth and stir this slurry into the slow cooker. Allow the sauce to thicken for the remaining cooking time.

6. Check for seasoning, adjusting if necessary, and then it's all ready to serve up to your folks.

- For families with picky eaters, you can customize the vegetables to include their favorites, such as swapping in green beans or bell peppers.
- This dish can easily be made gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free beef broth and ensuring your cornstarch is also gluten-free.
- If you have leftovers, they're wonderful for repurposing into wraps or as a savory pie filling the next day.
- Feel free to play around with fresh herbs when they're in season, like fresh rosemary and thyme, for even more vibrant flavors.

This simple yet utterly satisfying slow-cooked meal is sure to become a family favorite, bringing everyone together after a long day to a table filled with love, laughter, and good food.

Copyright 2016 Cooktop Cove