Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef:
- Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef on all sides until browned. This adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- In a slow cooker, combine the seared beef, diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms.
- In a separate bowl, mix the dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Slow Cooking:
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours or until the beef is fork-tender. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly tender.
- Check and Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The onion soup mix adds a salty element, so be cautious not to oversalt.