Slow Cooker Caramelized Onion Beef Stew

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
4 cups halved and thinly sliced sweet onions (about 1 1/2 onions)
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 1/2 lb beef stew meat
1 cup beef flavored broth (from 32-oz carton)
1 package (.87 oz) onion gravy mix
2 cups 1-inch pieces diagonally cut carrots
1 cup 1-inch pieces diagonally cut parsnips
1/2 cup frozen sweet peas

Spray 4- to 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Cook onions and sugar in butter 30 to 35 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized. Stir in thyme and stew meat; place in slow cooker.
In medium bowl, mix broth and gravy mix; pour over meat mixture in slow cooker. Top with carrots and parsnips. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 to 9 hours or until beef and vegetables are tender.
Stir in peas. Cover; cook 10 to 15 minutes longer or until hot.

INGREDIENTS

5 carrots, chopped
3 onions, chopped
2 (16 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid
1 large head cabbage, chopped
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1 (15 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
2 quarts tomato juice
2 green bell peppers, diced
10 stalks celery, chopped
1 (14 ounce) can beef broth

Place carrots, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, green beans, peppers, and celery in a large pot. Add onion soup mix, tomato juice, beef broth, and enough water to cover vegetables. Simmer until vegetables are tender. May be stored in the refrigerator for several days.

I’ve never used that seasoning before so I thought I’d give it a try. It smells very good. They also have many other varieties for beef, chicken, pork, etc.