Slow Cooker Thick & Chunky Beef Stew

With only the richest of piquant flavors, this Slow Cooker Thick & Chunky Beef Stew will make you feel like the queen at a medieval feast…

Ingredients   [ For 7 to 8 people ]    [  Preparation time : 22 minute  –  Cooking time : 35 minutes  ]

• 1 pound lean chuck beef, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 stalks celery, cut into slices
• 3 large carrots, sliced into thick rounds
• 1/2 cup shelled snap peas
• 2 medium potatoes of any variety, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1/2 cup beef broth, optional red wine
• 1/4 cup chopped flat parsley, (optional for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, but helps to thicken up the stew)

Preparation Method

1. Coat the beef with the flour. Over medium heat, in a skillet with extra-virgin olive oil, brown the beef then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add all other ingredients, except parsley, to slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or when beef is very tender.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy it!!