Place the beef stew meat in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the sliced celery, diced onion, and minced garlic on top of the beef.
Pour the beef broth over the meat and vegetables.
Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper across the surface.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the beef is tender.
Stir once before serving to distribute the thyme and celery.