Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Beef brisket (about 3 pounds)
2. Salt and pepper, to taste
3. Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons)
4. Beef broth or stock (3 cups)
5. Italian seasoning mix (1 tablespoon)
6. Fresh rosemary sprigs (3-4)
7. Red wine (1 cup)
8. Carrots, chopped (1 cup)
9. Onion, sliced (1 large)
10. Garlic cloves (5-6)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 6-8 hours in a slow cooker

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl or on a cutting board, season the beef brisket with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef on both sides.
3. Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker.
4. Add the beef broth, Italian seasoning mix, rosemary sprigs, red wine, carrots, onions, and garlic cloves to the slow cooker.
5. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
6. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Approx. 400-500 calories per serving (depending on the fat content of the beef)
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams (of which saturated fat is around 10 grams)
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams (mainly from the natural sugars in the wine and vegetables)

Dish Characteristics:

• Slow-cooked, resulting in tender and juicy beef.
• Full of flavor from the combination of Italian seasoning, red wine, and rosemary.
• Hearty dish that pairs well with side dishes like potatoes or pasta.

User Comments:

1. "The beef was so tender and juicy! The slow cooker did its job perfectly."
2. "Love the flavor combination of Italian seasoning and rosemary. It reminds me of my grandmother's cooking."
3. "I added some pepperoncini peppers for a kick of heat – it was a great addition!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Brown the beef before putting it in the slow cooker to enhance its flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste – add more salt or pepper if needed.
• If you want to add more vegetables, feel free to do so – such as celery or mushrooms would also pair well with this dish.