Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Start by prepping your vegetables. Peel and slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Set these aside for later.
- If you have time, sear the beef in a hot skillet with a little bit of oil until browned on all sides. This step adds an extra depth of flavor, but if you're in a hurry, skip it and move to the next step.
Cooking
- In your slow cooker, layer the beef stew meat at the bottom, followed by the carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the layered ingredients. Pour in the beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce. Toss in the bay leaf for extra flavor.
- Cover your Crock Pot and set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The longer you let it cook, the more flavor develops.
- Once it's finished cooking, remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, and don’t forget those delicious toppings!
Notes
For a thicker stew, let it cook on high for the last hour uncovered to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Ensure that the vegetables are cut into uniform sizes to prevent uneven cooking. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
