Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A rich, hearty beef stew with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and vegetables in a deep savoury broth. The slow cooker makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Ingredients

• •700g (1.5 lbs) beef chuck, cut into 4 cm cubes
• •3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• •2 carrots, sliced into rounds
• •2 stalks celery, sliced
• •1 onion, diced
• •3 cloves garlic, minced
• •2 cups beef broth
• •2 tablespoons tomato paste
• •1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• •1 teaspoon dried thyme
• •Salt and black pepper, to taste
• •2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, to thicken)

Instructions

1. 1. Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. For the best flavour, sear in a hot skillet with a little oil for 2–3 minutes per side until browned — this is optional but recommended.
2. 2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes to the slow cooker. Place the beef on top.
3. 3. Whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Pour over the ingredients.
4. 4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
5. 5. If you want a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry 30 minutes before serving, then cover and cook on HIGH for 30 more minutes.
6. 6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.