Slow Cooker Thick & Chunky Beef Stew

Here’s a recipe for Slow Cooker Thick & Chunky Beef Stew that’s perfect for a comforting meal!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into 1-2 inch cubes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 large carrots (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 3 large potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup celery (diced)
• 2 cups frozen peas
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 cup flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Brown the beef stew meat in batches (to avoid overcrowding the pan), about 5-7 minutes per batch.
   • Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Prepare the stew:
   • Add the carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, and celery to the slow cooker.
   • Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juice).
   • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, and bay leaves.
3. Cook the stew:
   • Set your slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
4. Thicken the stew (optional):
   • If you want a thicker stew, in a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup flour with a few tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry.
   • About 30 minutes before the stew is finished cooking, stir the slurry into the slow cooker.
   • Alternatively, you can mash a portion of the potatoes in the stew to naturally thicken the broth.
5. Final touch:
   • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as desired.
6. Serve and enjoy:
   • Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the stew into bowls, and enjoy with some crusty bread on the side.

This hearty and comforting beef stew is perfect for colder days, and the slow cooking method ensures rich, deep flavors!