Slow Cooker Lentil and Beef Stew

December, being a busy month, calls for EASY to prepare, tasty and wholesome meals - this one is from Weight Watchers and is very hearty.  Serve it as a soup or as a stew with rice or penne pasta, (for added PPV).


PointsPlus® Value:    5
Servings:  6
Preparation Time:  25 min
Cooking Time:  420 min

Ingredients
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 large zucchini
1 LB of lean beef round, cut into 1" chunks
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 TBSP canned tomato paste
3/4 cup dry lentils
32 oz beef broth
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil - slivered

Instructions
Place all the ingredients, except the basil, in a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.  Stir well and set on a LOW setting for 6-7 hours.  Remove the cover, stir in the basil.  Cover and cook for further 5 minutes.  Yields about 1 1/2 cups per serving.

Have you heard ... there are exciting tweaks coming to the program?  Be sure to come to your meeting next week to hear more :)  I know - what a tease!!