Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. The tender chunks of beef are slowly simmered with a rich blend of vegetables, herbs, and spices, creating a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together over several hours, resulting in a stew that’s rich, savory, and incredibly tender. Serve it with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will leave everyone at the table feeling cozy and content.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with the flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, turning to sear all sides. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Transfer the onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
4. Pour the beef broth into the skillet and stir to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
5. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients.
6. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
7. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas.
8. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Enjoy this classic and comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!