A hearty and flavorful beef stew cooked slowly to perfection, combining tender beef with a medley of fresh vegetables.
Trim any excess fat from the beef and cut it into six equal portions.
Cutting the beef into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
Place the diced tomatoes, mushrooms, celery, carrots, and onion into the slow cooker.
Layering the vegetables at the bottom helps distribute flavors evenly.
Arrange the beef portions on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
Placing the beef on top allows it to absorb the flavors from the vegetables and broth.
In a mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables.
Mixing the seasonings with the broth ensures even flavor distribution.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours.
Cooking on low heat allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes makes for a hearty meal.
