Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 lb beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 carrots, cut into thick coins
• 1 1/2 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves and 3 thyme sprigs
• Salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Season the beef generously and toss with the flour.

2. 2

   Sear the beef in hot oil in batches until deeply browned, then transfer to the slow cooker.

3. 3

   Cook the onion in the same pan for 3 minutes, stir in the tomato paste, and deglaze with a splash of broth.

4. 4

   Add everything to the slow cooker with the remaining broth, Worcestershire, carrots, potatoes and herbs.

5. 5

   Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, until the beef pulls apart with a fork.

6. 6

   Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems, skim any fat, and season again before serving.