This hearty beef stew features chunks of beef and potatoes, along with carrots, stewed tomatoes, and herbs. The stew makes a fabulous everyday family meal, and the slow cooker makes cooking a breeze. Just toss in all your ingredients and come home to a warm, comforting meal. In this stew, layers of carrots, potatoes, onions, and seared beef marry with a variety of herbs and a can of stewed tomatoes. Beef chuck is the best cut to use in a slow-cooked stew. For the very best results, sear the beef in a small amount of olive oil before you add it to the crockpot. If you're short on time, you can skip the step, but the caramelization created by searing adds rich beef flavor.