Nothing beats the comforting aroma of a hearty Beef Stew wafting through your home, especially on a chilly evening. This delicious Beef Stew recipe combines tender chunks of beef with a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. The simple yet savory ingredients work together to create a meal that warms your heart and fills your belly. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or simply treat yourself, this recipe is sure to deliver satisfaction with every bite.
One of the best things about this Beef Stew is its versatility. You can easily adjust the recipe to cater to your family’s preferences or what you have available in your pantry. Plus, it’s an ideal dish for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together. Not only is this stew packed with taste, but it also offers generous helpings of nutrients thanks to the vegetables, making it a well-rounded dish that can comfortably serve the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew
This Beef Stew recipe is a must-try because it is:
- Hearty and Comforting: Ideal for chilly nights, it warms you up from the inside out.
- Flavorful: With rich herbs and a splash of wine, every bite is packed with flavor.
- Customizable: Use different vegetables or proteins to create your own twist.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple cooking steps, it’s manageable for even novice cooks.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The stew gets better as it sits, making excellent next-day lunches.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by making sure all your ingredients are washed, peeled, and chopped as the recipe indicates. This not only speeds up the cooking process but also helps keep things organized.
For this Beef Stew, you will need:
- A large cutting board for chopping vegetables and meat.
- A heavy pot or Dutch oven for browning the beef and simmering the stew. This type of cookware retains heat well and allows even cooking.
- A large spoon for stirring the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts.
Furthermore, have your knife set handy for cutting the vegetables, and prepare a plate to set the browned beef aside. This preparation ensures a smooth cooking experience, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make the perfect Beef Stew:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 3 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Coat the Beef
Start this savory adventure by tossing the beef cubes in a large bowl with the flour, salt, and pepper. This ensures a light coating that will help achieve a beautiful golden crust during browning. The flour also contributes thickening elements to the stew later on.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next, heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown each side for about 3-4 minutes. This process seals in the juices and gives the beef a delightful crust that intensifies the overall flavor of your stew. After browning, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
With the remaining oil, toss in the chopped onion and let it cook until it’s softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute, just until fragrant. The base of your stew is full of flavors already!
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Wine
Add the tomato paste to the onions and garlic, stirring well until it’s fully incorporated. Next, pour in the red wine, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pot using your wooden spoon. This step is crucial as those bits are packed with flavor.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the browned beef to the pot, adding the beef broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Mix everything together well. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low, covering the pot, and letting it simmer.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
After simmering for about 1.5 hours, it’s time to add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir everything together and let it simmer uncovered for an additional 45 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften perfectly while still maintaining their shape.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Once the time is up, remove the bay leaves and taste your stew. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Your comforting Beef Stew is ready to be enjoyed!
Variations
Feel free to personalize your Beef Stew with these variations:
- Protein: Substitute beef chuck with lamb or chicken for different flavors.
- Vegetables: Experiment with onions, parsnips, or turnips for added texture and taste.
- Spices: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of paprika for extra depth in flavor.
Cooking Notes
- For a thicker stew, allow it to simmer uncovered longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir occasionally to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Beef Stew with hearty crusty bread for dipping.
- Serve over a bed of mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight with seasonings.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 680mg
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this stew?
Absolutely! You can use lamb, chicken, or even turkey as a protein substitute. Each option will bring a unique flavor to the stew.
What can I serve with Beef Stew?
Beef Stew pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh garden salad, or even served over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Definitely! You can follow the same browning steps on a stovetop and then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place it back in a pot over medium heat until warmed through.
Conclusion
This Beef Stew recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. Bursting with flavors and nutrients, it embodies everything we love about home-cooked dishes. We encourage you to give this recipe a try, experiment with variations, and make it your own. Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Hearty Beef Stew
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Beef Stew recipe is rich, comforting and perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)
- 3 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start this savory adventure by tossing the beef cubes in a large bowl with the flour, salt, and pepper. This ensures a light coating that will help achieve a beautiful golden crust during browning.
- Next, heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown each side for about 3-4 minutes.
- With the remaining oil, toss in the chopped onion and let it cook until it’s softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute, just until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste to the onions and garlic, stirring well until it’s fully incorporated. Next, pour in the red wine, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pot using your wooden spoon.
- Return the browned beef to the pot, adding the beef broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Mix everything together well.
- After simmering for about 1.5 hours, it’s time to add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir everything together and let it simmer uncovered for an additional 45 minutes.
- Once the time is up, remove the bay leaves and taste your stew. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a thicker stew, allow it to simmer uncovered longer until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Protein: 30 g