Begin by cutting your beef chuck into bite-sized cubes and seasoning it generously with salt and black pepper. Next, coat each piece lightly with all-purpose flour.

In a skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned beef cubes in a single layer, browning them for about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Add chopped carrots, diced potatoes, sliced onion, and minced garlic atop the browned beef in the slow cooker, arranging them evenly.

Whisk together 4 cups of beef broth and a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste until smooth. Pour this savory broth over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.

Sprinkle in a teaspoon of dried thyme, along with additional salt and pepper to taste, cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours.

As the cooking time nears completion, stir the beef stew gently to mix all the savory goodness together, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.