Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup celery, sliced
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional; can substitute with additional beef broth)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for coating the beef)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

• In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with the flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This step helps thicken the stew later.

1. Brown the Beef (Optional):

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely seared. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

1. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:

• Place the beef cubes in the slow cooker. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, and celery. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and the bay leaf.

1. Add Liquids:

• Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using). Stir to combine all ingredients. The liquid should just cover the ingredients; add more beef broth if needed.

1. Cook:

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

1. Add Peas (Optional):

• If using frozen peas, add them about 30 minutes before the stew is done cooking. Stir them in and continue cooking until heated through.

1. Adjust Seasoning:

• Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

1. Serve:

• Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice if desired.

Tips:

• Thickening the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker with a spoon to release their starch, or stir in a slurry made from 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or green beans based on your preference.
• Make Ahead: Beef stew is great for meal prep. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

Enjoy your easy and comforting slow cooker beef stew! It’s a perfect meal for any day of the week.