Crock Pot Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 4 potatoes, cubed
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

1. Place beef, carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and garlic into the crock pot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over ingredients in the crock pot.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
4. If desired, mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir into the stew, and cook for another 20–30 minutes to thicken.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Chef’s Note: For extra flavor, sear the beef in a hot pan before adding to the crock pot. Leftovers taste even better the next day!