Beef Stew with Chocolate

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons bittersweet chocolate finely grated
• 8 ounce brown mushrooms sliced
• 14 ounce beef broth low-sodium canned
• 14.5 ounce canned tomatoes diced canned
• 2 tablespoons canola oil 
• 1 cup carrots frozen sliced
• 1 tablespoon flour all-purpose
• 1 teaspoon garlic crushed
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper black plus more for seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning
• 1  leek white cleaned sliced
• 3 cups potatoes diced red
• 1 cup red wine 
• 1.5 ounce meatloaf seasoning (recommended: McCormick)

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• slow cooker

Directions

1. In a large bowl combine beef stew meat, salt, pepper and flour. Toss until beef is well coated.
2. Heat the canola in a large saute pan over high heat.
3. Add seasoned beef and sear on all sides until brown and caramelized.
4. Remove to a plate and set aside.
5. Combine seared beef, carrots, mushrooms, potatoes and tomatoes in a 4-quart slow cooker.
6. In a medium bowl, stir together grated chocolate, garlic, meatloaf packet, beef broth, and red wine.
7. Pour into slow cooker and sprinkle the leeks over the top. Cover and cook on HIGH setting for 4 to 6 hours.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Serve hot.