Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 large carrots, chopped
• 4 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the beef stew meat with the flour to coat.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the beef to a 6-quart slow cooker.
3. Add the garlic, onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes to the slow cooker.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
6. If using frozen peas, add them to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious slow cooker beef stew!