To get the most flavor from your crockpot stew, it is a good idea to saute the beef, garlic and onions in a skillet and then transfer that to the crock. This makes the best stew ever!
4 T. olive oil
2 t. minced garlic
2 lb. trimmed beef chuck, cut into 1 to 2 inch cubes, patted dry with paper towels
1/4 c. flour, tossed with meat to coat
10-15 small red potatoes, cut in 1/4ths
1 medium onion, chopped
2 c. sliced carrots (3 good sized carrots)
2 c. sliced celery (2-3 stalks)
1 c. red cooking wine**
1 c. beef stock or canned beef broth
14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1 bay leaf
1/2 t. dried thyme
1 t. dried parsley
1/2 t. allspice
8 oz. sliced mushrooms, optional
2 t. cornstarch or more, to taste
chopped fresh parsley, optional, for garnish
Line the crock of the crockpot with a crockpot liner for easy clean up.
Put potatoes, tomatoes, carrots and celery in the crockpot. Measure out the beef broth and cooking wine and set aside.
Heat a skillet up on high. Add in 2 T. oil; add garlic. When pan is hot, add beef to sear it a bit, about 4-5 minutes, stirring twice. The meat on the bottom of the pan should be brown and coat the pan lightly. Move meat into the crockpot.
In the same unwashed pan, add liquid that will help loosen up and remove the flavorful meat remnants on the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Return pan to hot stove top and add remaining 2 T. oil. Once oil is hot, add in the onions. Wait about 3-4 minutes until the onions are beginning to be translucent and are sizzling. Add in cooking wine and beef broth. While the liquid is heating up, add in the spices, except for the bay leaf. Once the liquid begins to boil, turn off the heat and pour entire mixture into the crockpot.
Add mushrooms and bay leaf. Stir lightly to combine. Cook on Low 9-10 hours, Medium 7-8 hours, or High 6-7 hours.
About 30 minutes prior to serving, ladle out about 1/2 c. liquid from the stew. To thicken, whisk in 2 t. cornstarch and add it back into the stew, stirring gently to combine. If you want it even thicker, you can repeat this process once, waiting about 15 minutes between to check thickness.
Serve with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.