Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Stew

• 5 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 medium onions, chopped fine
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth or 2 cups beef broth
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 lb carrot, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb parsnip, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons minute tapioca
• 2 cups frozen peas, thawed

1. Dry beef with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 T oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking.
3. Add half of beef and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes.
4. Transfer to slow cooker inset and repeat with remaining beef (you shouldn't need more oil).
5. Add 1 T oil, onions and 1/4 t salt to empty skillet and cook until golden brown, about 6 minutes.
6. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring well, for 2 minutes.
7. Add broth and soy sauce, bring to a simmer and transfer to slow-cooker inset.
8. Toss carrots, parsnips, potatoes, 1/2 t thyme, and remaining 1 T oil in bowl.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Wrap vegetables in foil packet that will fit in slow cooker.
11. Note: To make the pack, place the vegetables on one side of a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
12. Fold the foil over, shaping it into a packet that will fit into your slow cooker, then crimp to seal the edges.
13. Stir bay leaves and tapioca into slow-cooker insert; set vegetable packet on top of beef.
14. Set slow cooker to high, cover, and cook for 6-7 hours (or cook on low for 10 hours-11 hours).
15. Transfer vegetable packet to plate.
16. Carefully open packet (watch for steam) and stir vegetables and juices into stew.
17. Add remaining 1 t thyme and peas and let stand until heated through.
18. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

chuck roast, salt, pepper, vegetable oil, onions, tomato paste, chicken broth, soy sauce, carrot, parsnip, red potatoes, fresh thyme, bay leaves, tapioca, frozen peas

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/slow-cooker-hearty-beef-stew-252333 (may not work)