Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Beef Chuck Roast (trimmed, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 2 dried Bay Leaves
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 6 cups low-sodium Beef Broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Canned Crushed Tomatoes
- 3 medium Carrots, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 3 stalks Celery, sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes, peeled and diced 1-inch
- 1 cup Frozen Green Beans
- 1 cup Frozen Sweet Corn
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prep the Beef: Pat the cubed beef dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Beef: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef until deeply browned on all sides (approximately 2–3 minutes per batch). Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker insert.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and celery to the same skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze: Pour a small splash (about 1/2 cup) of the beef broth into the skillet. Scrape up all the browned bits (the fond) from the bottom of the pan.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the sautéed aromatic mixture and the deglazing liquid over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Add Root Vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, crushed tomatoes, remaining beef broth, and bay leaves. Ensure the solids are submerged in the liquid.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 6–8 hours, or on HIGH for 3.5–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the potatoes are easily pierced.
- Add Final Vegetables: About 45–60 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen green beans and frozen corn. This ensures they cook through without becoming mushy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. A dash of red wine vinegar can brighten the flavour if it tastes flat.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley.