Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
- 1 cup frozen petite peas
- 4 cups beef bone broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Pat the beef cubes completely dry with paper towels and season aggressively with Kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet over high heat until shimmering. Sear the beef in batches until a deep, mahogany-colored crust forms on at least two sides. Transfer seared meat to the slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, layer the diced onion, smashed garlic, sliced celery, Yukon Gold potatoes, and carrots over the beef.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef bone broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Pour the liquid over the meat and vegetables.
- Tuck the rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves into the liquid.
- Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours (or High for 4 hours) until the beef is fork-tender.
- Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together to create a slurry. Stir the slurry and the frozen peas into the stew. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the gravy has thickened and the peas are bright green.
- Remove the herb sprigs and bay leaves before serving.