The Essential Stew

... otherwise known as Burgundy Stew.  I had picked up this container of freeze-dried mixed gourmet mushrooms at Costco and found myself wondering what to do with them.  Ah well ... this works.  And on a cold fall day, stew is truly essential.

Prepare:

1 lb petite sirloin (or top round), cubed
12 medium new red potatoes, quartered
4 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped (or 2 cups baby carrots, halved crosswise)
4 ribs celery, chopped
2 medium or one large sweet onion, chopped
1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
1 cup dried mixed mushrooms, broken up

Arrange in slow cooker.  Then, whisk together

3/4 cup dry red wine (I use Cabernet Sauvignon)
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4-1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1 tsp kosher salt

Pour over meat and veggies.  Add one 14.5 oz can diced or crushed tomatoes.  Cook on low 8-10 hours or high 4-5 hours.  Serve up and enjoy!