Creating Slow Cooker Beef Stew is straightforward. Follow these steps for an incredible dish:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop, peel, and dice the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Set aside.
2. Brown the Beef (Optional): In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the beef cubes, seasoned with salt and pepper. Sear until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the browned beef (if seared) in the slow cooker. Add the prepared vegetables, minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
4. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Check for Doneness: After the cooking time, check that the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. If needed, you can continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the salt and pepper as necessary. Discard the bay leaf before serving.
7. Thicken the Stew (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir well to combine.
8. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

These instructions will guide you effortlessly through the process of creating a remarkable Slow Cooker Beef Stew!