Ingredients:

  • 900g Beef Chuck Roast, cut into 4 cm cubes
  • 30ml Neutral Oil
  • 1 large Yellow Onion, cut into thick wedges
  • 3 cloves Garlic, smashed and minced
  • 30g Tomato Paste
  • 710ml Beef Bone Broth, low sodium
  • 15ml Worcestershire Sauce
  • 240ml Dry Red Wine (Cabernet or Merlot)
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 450g Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes, halved
  • 4 large Carrots, 2.5 cm chunks
  • 2 stalks Celery, Thick half moons
  • 150g Frozen Peas
  • 30g All purpose Flour
  • 60ml Cold Water

Instructions:

  1. Sear the beef. Heat the 30ml oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Pat the 900g of beef cubes dry with a paper towel. Add them to the pan in batches, cooking for 3 minutes per side until a dark brown crust forms. Note: Drying the meat is essential for a good sear.
  2. Sauté the aromatics. Remove the beef and add the onion wedges to the same pan. Cook for 4 minutes until the edges are charred and softened.
  3. Bloom the paste. Stir in the minced garlic and 30g of tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes until the paste turns a deep mahogany color.
  4. Deglaze the skillet. Pour in the 240ml of red wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the brown bits (the fond) from the bottom of the pan. Note: This is where the flavor is hidden!
  5. Load the Crockpot. Place the seared beef, onions, potatoes, carrots, and celery into the slow cooker.
  6. Add the liquids. Pour the 710ml of bone broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves over the top. Stir gently to combine.
  7. The slow simmer. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Check that the beef is fork tender at the 5.5 hour mark.
  8. Thicken the gravy. Whisk the 30g of flour and 60ml of cold water in a small bowl. Pour this into the stew and stir.
  9. The final touch. Stir in the 150g of frozen peas. Replace the lid and cook for another 15 minutes until the sauce is glossy and the peas are bright green.
  10. Rest and serve. Turn off the heat and let the stew sit for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to fully set.