Crock Pot Beef Stew

 A Crock Pot Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender beef, vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 carrots, peeled and sliced

3 celery stalks, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup beef broth

1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Place the beef stew meat, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the Crock Pot.

2. Make the Broth:

In a small bowl, combine the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix.

Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the Crock Pot.

3. Cook:

Cover the Crock Pot and cook 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 prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to make a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the slurry into the stew and cook on high for the remaining time to thicken.

5. Serve:

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

Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread for dipping.

This Crock Pot Beef Stew is the perfect dish to make ahead of time, and the slow cooking process ensures deep, 

rich flavors. Enjoy a bowl of this cozy comfort food on a chilly evening!