Hearty Beef Stew: A Bowl of Comfort

Dive into a warm, comforting bowl of our Hearty Beef Stew. This classic dish is packed with tender chunks of beef, a medley of vegetables, and rich, savory broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly night, this beef stew is easy to make and full of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. Gather your ingredients, and let’s bring this delicious dish to life!

Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 4 large carrots, sliced
• 4 large potatoes, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Return the beef to the pot, then add the beef broth, water, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 hour.
7. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cover and simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8. In a small bowl, mix the flour with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew to thicken the broth.
9. Add the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
10. Remove the bay leaves, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

How to Prepare

The secret to a great beef stew lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together. Browning the beef first helps to build a rich, deep flavor in the stew. Adding the vegetables later in the cooking process ensures they don’t become too soft. The flour slurry thickens the broth, making the stew hearty and satisfying.

Preparation Time

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 45 minutes Total time: About 2 hours 5 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people.

FAQs

Can I make this beef stew ahead of time? Yes, this stew can be made ahead and reheated. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Can I freeze beef stew? Absolutely. Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. What can I serve with beef stew? This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad. Can I use different vegetables? Yes, you can add or substitute other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms according to your preference. How can I make the stew thicker? Besides using the flour slurry, you can also mash a few of the potatoes into the stew to naturally thicken the broth.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of soy sauce to the broth. Enjoy this hearty beef stew with family and friends for a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone.