ULTIMATE SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 pound chuck roast
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 carrots, cut into 2 inch chunks
  • 4 Yukon potatoes, chopped
  • 4 cups beef broth*
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • 2 tablespoons flour

 

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Preheat  an aluminum slow cooker insert or cast iron skillet on high heat.
  2. Season the beef with half the salt and all the pepper.
  3. Add to the skillet and brown on each side for 4-6 minutes or until deeply browned on each side.
  4. Remove the beef from the pan and add in the onions.
  5. Cook the onions for 3 minutes, stir then cook another 3 minutes.
  6. Into the slow cooker add the onions, carrots, potatoes, broth, second half of the salt, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, garlic and Worcestershire sauce.
  7. Cut the beef into 2-3 inch chunks and add it to the slow cooker.
  8. Stir all the ingredients until well mixed and cook on low for 7 hours.
  9. In a small bowl mix the butter and flour and add it to the slow cooker and stir.
  10. Cook an additional hour or until thickened.