Crockpot Beef Stew

Crockpot Beef Stew

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed

4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

4 carrots, peeled and sliced

3 celery stalks, chopped

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups beef broth

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp paprika

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the beef stew meat until browned on all sides. Transfer to the crockpot.

2. Prepare Vegetables: Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.

3. Add Liquids: Pour in beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.

4. Seasonings: Add thyme, paprika, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.

5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

6. Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

7. Serve: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm with crusty bread or over rice.

This stew is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner! Let me know how it turns out.