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Beef Stew

Beef Stew

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A classic beef stew is the ultimate comfort food. Rich, hearty, and packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, itโ€™s the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day. Whether served on its own or paired with crusty bread, this dish is a timeless favorite.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Comforting and hearty:ย Perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings.
  • Customizable:ย Adjust the vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste.
  • Make-ahead friendly:ย Tastes even better the next day!
  • One-pot meal:ย Easy cleanup for busy weeknights.
  • Nutritious and satisfying:ย A balanced dish full of protein and fiber.

Ingredients

(Tip: Youโ€™ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Beef chuck or stew meat
  • Potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Beef broth
  • Tomato paste
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Bay leaves
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Directions

Beef Stew this Recipe
  1. Prepare the beef:ย Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Brown the beef:ย Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sautรฉ vegetables:ย Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the same pot. Cook until softened.
  4. Build the broth:ย Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, then pour in the beef broth. Add the bay leaves and thyme.
  5. Combine ingredients:ย Return the beef to the pot along with the potatoes. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Cook low and slow:ย Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together.
  7. Thicken the stew (optional):ย For a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the pot. Cook for a few minutes until thickened.
  8. Serve:ย Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs, then ladle into bowls.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings:ย 6
  • Prep Time:ย 15 minutes
  • Cook Time:ย 2 hours
  • Total Time:ย 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

  • Meat options:ย Swap beef for lamb, pork, or chicken for a twist.
  • Vegetarian option:ย Use mushrooms, chickpeas, or lentils instead of beef.
  • Wine addition:ย Add a splash of red wine for extra depth.
  • Spices:ย Experiment with smoked paprika or cumin for unique flavors.
  • Root vegetables:ย Include parsnips or turnips for added earthiness.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration:ย Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing:ย Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating:ย Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the beef and sautรฉing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

2. What cut of beef is best for stew?

Beef chuck is ideal as it becomes tender when slow-cooked.

3. Can I use canned vegetables?

Fresh vegetables are recommended, but canned can be used in a pinch. Add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

4. How can I make it gluten-free?

Ensure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

5. Is there a way to make it less salty?

Use low-sodium beef broth and adjust the salt to taste.

6. What can I serve with beef stew?

Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice pair wonderfully.

7. How do I thicken the stew without cornstarch?

Mashed potatoes or a flour slurry can also be used to thicken the stew.

8. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just ensure your accompaniments are too.

9. Why is my beef tough?

It likely hasnโ€™t cooked long enough. Stewing beef requires low, slow cooking to become tender.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate the ingredients.

Conclusion

Beef stew is a tried-and-true classic that never fails to satisfy. Itโ€™s hearty, versatile, and perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight meal to a special family gathering. With its tender chunks of beef, wholesome vegetables, and rich, savory broth, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Try it today and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings!

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Beef Stew

Beef Stew

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stewing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This classic beef stew features tender chunks of beef simmered with potatoes, carrots, and peas in a rich, flavorful broth. Itโ€™s an ideal meal to warm you up and satisfy your hunger.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef:
    • Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
    • Dredge the beef in flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Sear the Beef:
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
    • Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sautรฉ Aromatics:
    • In the same pot, add the diced onion and sautรฉ until translucent.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  4. Deglaze the Pot:
    • Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
    • Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Add Broth and Seasonings:
    • Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, dried thyme, and bay leaves.
    • Return the browned beef to the pot.
  6. Simmer the Stew:
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
    • Cover and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
  7. Add Vegetables:
    • Add the carrots and potatoes to the stew.
    • Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  8. Finish the Stew:
    • Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
    • Remove the bay leaves.
    • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve:
    • Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a thicker stew, you can mash a few of the potatoes against the side of the pot and stir them in.
  • This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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