Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef stew meat dry using paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. Set aside while you heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Brown the Beef: Add seasoned beef to the hot skillet in batches, browning each side for about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot.

Layer the Vegetables: Chop the onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Place the veggies evenly over the browned beef in the crockpot.

Whisk the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, and additional salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot.

Mix and Cook: Stir gently to combine, cover the crockpot and set to cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

Thicken the Stew (Optional): About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water. Stir this into the crockpot to thicken.

Serve and Garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh parsley. Enjoy!