Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), chopped
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water

Instructions

1. Place the beef, onion, garlic, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms into the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, then stir gently.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. Mix the cornstarch with the cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
6. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or crusty bread.

This recipe makes about 6 servings and is perfect for a hearty, comforting meal.