Slow Cooker Beef Stew

When it comes to feeding the family during a busy week, nothing beats a meal that's hearty, wholesome, and practically cooks itself. This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is the ultimate solution for "lazy mom meal prep" days. It's packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The best part? You can toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and let it work its magic while you tackle your to-do list (or enjoy a well-deserved break). It's minimal effort with maximum flavor—exactly what we moms need to keep life running smoothly!

Ingredients (Makes 8 Servings):

• 2.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 4 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

• 3 tbsp olive oil (for browning beef)

• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved (or regular potatoes, diced)

• 5 carrots, sliced into 1-inch chunks

• 4 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 large onion, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 5 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 1.5 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1.5 tsp dried thyme

• 1.5 tsp dried rosemary

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1.5 cups frozen peas (added at the end)

Instructions:

1. Prep the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, then toss in flour to lightly coat (optional for a thicker stew).

2. Brown the beef (optional but adds flavor): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned (work in batches if needed). Transfer to the slow cooker.

3. Add vegetables: Place potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.

4. Make the broth: In a bowl, mix the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour over the beef and vegetables.

5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.

6. Add peas: Stir in the frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

7. Serve and store: Serve warm, or divide into meal prep containers. The stew lasts in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

And there you have it—your new go-to recipe for those hectic weeks when you need a meal that’s comforting, filling, and ridiculously easy to make. This Slow Cooker Beef Stew fits perfectly into your "lazy mom meal prep" repertoire, letting you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the people who matter most. Whether you’re planning meals for the week or looking for a cozy dinner that practically cooks itself, this stew has got you covered. Try it out, and let me know how it saves your sanity (and fills your belly)!