Hearty and Flavorful Rustic Slow Cooker Stew

This rustic slow cooker stew is the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold winter day. With tender chunks of meat, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this stew is packed with flavor. It's made in a slow cooker, so you can set it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal ready to be enjoyed. This stew is also versatile, allowing you to easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices. Serve it with a crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup frozen peas

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the beef and toss until well coated.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
7. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until heated through.
8. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
9. Serve the rustic slow cooker stew hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Interesting Facts