• prep: 30 min
• cook: 8 hr
• total: 8 hr 30 min

servings:

Slow Cooker Homemade Beef Stew makes the perfect comforting dish on a cold day. Made with tender beef, potatoes, carrots, stew and sweet potatoes.

• [b]For the beef[/b]
• 1 1/2 - 2 pounds beef chuck roast preferred (or beef stew meat) trimmed and cut into 1 - 2 inch chunks
• 1/3 cup flour (use gluten free flour or arrowroot starch if needed)
• 1-2 teaspoons sea salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• [b]For the stew[/b]
• cooking oil
• 1 medium onion, cut into large chunks
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine
• 3-4 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1 inch chunks (or can use about 10 small baby potatoes with skin on - cut in half)
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped into 1 inch chunks (leave out if desired)
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into slices
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 bay leaf
• 4-5 cups beef broth, homemade or low sodium
• 1 star anise (optional but adds SO much depth and flavor)
• water as needed to cover the vegetables
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
• more salt and pepper to taste
• [b]Optional:[/b]
• To thicken stew : Make a slurry with 2 Tablespoons flour (all purpose, gluten free or arrowroot powder)+ 3 tablespoons cool water

Click Here For Step-By-Step Instructions