After the meat has been cut into chunks, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in 1 layer (probably about 1/2 the meat) and brown on one side without moving for 5-6 minutes. Browning the meat adds so much flavor the to final stew, so don't skip this step! Put the browned meat in the slow-cooker and repeat with the remaining meat, adding more oil to the pan if necessary. Keep as much fat in the pan as possible when moving the meat over. Do not clean the pan.

With the pan on medium heat (adding more oil if needed), add the onion and mushrooms and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add a cup or so of the beef broth to the pan and scrap all the brown bits off the bottom of the pan (yummy flavor!). Pour the broth/onion mixture into the slow-cooker.

Add the remaining beef broth, bay leaves, tomato paste, soy sauce, and russet potato to the slow-cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 6 hours. About 2 hours before the soup is done, add the carrots, parsnips, and yukon gold potatoes and give the soup a stir. Continue cooking until the vegetables and meat are tender. If you need to add all the vegetables at the beginning of the cooking time that will work too. They might just fall apart a little more.

Mix together the arrowroot powder and water in a small cup. In a glass measuring cup, scoop out about 1 cup of the hot broth, While whisking, pour in the starch mixture into the hot broth and whisk until smooth. Add the broth back to the slow-cooker and stir to combine. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Enjoy!