Beef Stew

Beef Stew: A Hearty and Comforting Classic

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of beef stew to chase away the chill on a cold day. This classic dish has been a staple in many households for generations, offering both comfort and flavor in one hearty meal. Beef stew is rich, savory, and perfect for cozy family dinners or serving a crowd. The tender beef, mixed with vegetables and slow-cooked in a flavorful broth, creates a satisfying meal that is hard to resist.

If you’re looking to make your own homemade beef stew, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a deliciously tender and hearty stew. Whether you’re preparing it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this recipe will guide you to a stew that is rich in flavor and perfect for any occasion.

Why Beef Stew?

Beef stew is the epitome of comfort food—warm, hearty, and satisfying. It’s a dish that’s perfect for family meals, dinner parties, or even meal prep for the week. What makes beef stew so appealing is its simplicity: just a few basic ingredients combined and slow-cooked to create a rich, savory meal. The slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender and allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a deep, satisfying flavor.

Plus, beef stew is versatile! You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences, whether you prefer more vegetables, different herbs, or a thicker consistency. This dish is perfect for customizing and making your own.

Ingredients for Beef Stew

To make a traditional beef stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck roast or round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional but adds depth of flavor)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for added color and flavor)

How to Make Beef Stew

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, which will help develop a deep, savory flavor in the stew. After browning, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. These aromatics form the flavor base for the stew.

Step 3: Add the Liquid and Seasonings

Now it’s time to add the beef broth and red wine (if using) to the pot. Stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the beef. Add the tomato paste, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Return the Beef to the Pot

Add the browned beef back into the pot along with any juices that have accumulated. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours. The goal is for the beef to become tender and for the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables

Once the beef is tender, add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together and continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes, until the vegetables are cooked through and tender.

Step 6: Thicken the Stew

If you prefer a thicker stew, you can use a flour slurry to thicken the broth. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a few tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the stew and allow it to simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the stew has thickened to your liking.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

If you’re adding frozen peas for color and sweetness, stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. Once everything is tender and the stew has thickened to your liking, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed.