Prepare all ingredients by dicing the potatoes, slicing carrots, chopping celery and onions, and mincing garlic.
Over medium-high heat, sear beef cubes in a skillet until browned.
Place beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf in the crockpot.
Pour beef broth over the mixture and mix gently.
Set the crockpot on low and cook for 8 hours, stirring halfway through.
After cooking, remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and stir well.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. This stew pairs wonderfully with bread or a side salad.