2 1/2poundsbeef chuck roast,cut into 2-inch pieces, fat trimmed off
1teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
3large carrots,peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
3celery ribs,sliced
8ouncessliced mushrooms
1large yellow onion,sliced
3clovesgarlic,minced
1cupdry red wine
3tablespoonstomato paste
1tablespoonWorcestershire sauce
4cupslow-sodium beef broth,divided
2bay leaves
1sprig fresh thyme
FOR THE THICKENER
2tablespoonscornstarch
3tablespoonswater
1/4cupminced fresh parsley
Instructions
Place cut up beef in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add beef and sear until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Depending on the size of your skillet, you might have to do this in batches, adding more olive oil if necessary.
Transfer the browned beef to a 6-quart slow cooker; arrange prepared carrots, celery, and mushrooms over the meat inside the slow cooker and set aside.
Heat the rest of the olive oil and sauté the onions for 3 minutes, or until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant; transfer to the slow cooker.
Put the skillet back on the stove over medium-high heat and deglaze the pan with red wine. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to get all the browned bits; cook for 1 minute.
Whisk in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce; cook for 30 seconds while whisking.
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of beef broth; cook for 1 minute.
Pour the prepared liquid over the beef and vegetables.
Stir in the remaining broth into the slow cooker and add bay leaves and thyme over the veggies.
Close with a lid and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. Times may vary depending on how hot your slow cooker runs.
30 minutes before the beef stew is done cooking, make a slurry by whisking together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, set to HIGH, and continue to cook for 30 minutes.
When done, taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.