THE BEST CROCK POT BEEF STEW

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat
  • 1/4 cup all­ purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire ­roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1.5 lb Little Potatoes, sliced in half
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 cup baby carrots
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt & pepper, to taste

to thicken stew:

  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp cold beef stock or water

Instructions

  • Chop up the celery and onion.
  • Begin heating up the olive oil in a large skillet.
  • In a bowl, mix together the stew meat with flour, salt and pepper (if using.)
  • Once the oil is super hot, add in half of the beef and brown it on both sides.
  • Once all the meat is browned, place it in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot.
  • Pour in the beef stock, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce & balsamic vinegar.
  • Give it all a stir.
  • Then stir in Little Potatoes, celery, onion and carrots.
  • Sprinkle oregano, minced garlic and place bay leaf on top.
  • Stir again then cover.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours.
  • Once it’s done cooking, it’s time to thicken it up with what is called a cornstarch slurry.
  • Whisk together cornstarch with cold water or beef broth.
  • Pour mixture into the beef stew and stir well.
  • Cover and switch to the “high” setting.
  • Let it cook on high for another half an hour to thicken up.

Notes

Serve with some crusty bread.