Ingredients You Will Be In Love With:

This is such a versatile recipe. Make sure to use what you've got on hand (or at least what's on sale!). But this is what I commonly use:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped-I really enjoy Vidalia onions because of the natural sweetness
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (or use a mix of celery and fennel!)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium is best, unless you like things really salty!)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup frozen peas-added towards the end for maximum freshness * 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour-for thickening, this is optional, though highly recommended

The Magic of the Slow Cooker: Step-by-Step to Perfection

1. Sear the beef: This step is not obligatory, but my goodness, flavoring the beef cubes in a little olive oil adds so much depth! Just brown them on all sides in a large skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté aromatics: Using the same skillet, in batches if necessary, sauté the onion, carrots and celery until tender. Add garlic and cook for the last minute-just don't let it burn!
3. To the slow cooker, all goes in: Add the sautéed veggies into the slow cooker, placing the browned beef, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper and bay leaves in with them. Mix.
4. Low and slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender.
5. Thicken (optional): If you want a thicker stew, whisk together flour with a little cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Add peas: Add frozen peas for the last 10 minutes of cooking; do not overcook because it will have mushy peas. In a matter of minutes or less, prepare.
7. Serve and enjoy: Remove the bay leaves. Put in bowl and enjoy your stew!

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bowl

This stew is satisfying on its own, but you can really make it shine. I like to serve it with crusty bread for dipping into all that luscious gravy. A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt adds a nice, tangy contrast. My friend Sarah sprinkles some fresh parsley-it looks so pretty and gives a great burst of freshness. Feel free to get creative!

Leftovers? Yes, Please!

This stew is even better the next day! The flavors get to meld and deepen. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. I often pack leftovers for lunch the next day-it's a seriously satisfying midday meal that will warm you from the inside out. Plus, it's super cheap!

More Than a Meal: A Story in a Bowl

Food is so much more than sustenance; it's about memories, traditions, and shared experiences. This stew recipe isn't just about the ingredients or the process; it's about creating a warm, comforting dish that nourishes both body and soul. What memories do you connect to your favorite comfort foods? I'd love to hear them!