The Best Ever Beef Stew Recipe

The Best Ever Beef Stew Recipe: A Comforting Classic for All Seasons

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of beef stew to comfort and satisfy your cravings. The savory flavors of tender beef, vegetables, and a rich broth combine to create a dish that’s both filling and full of flavor. Whether you’re preparing a cozy meal for the family or looking to impress guests at your next dinner party, this Best Ever Beef Stew recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of making the perfect beef stew. With a balance of hearty vegetables, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and a deliciously rich broth, this stew is the ultimate comfort food. Let’s dive in!

What Makes This the Best Ever Beef Stew?

The secret to the “best ever” beef stew is all about the right ingredients and cooking techniques. Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:

Tender Beef: Using a cut of beef that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking is key. We’ll use beef chuck, which is marbled with fat and full of flavor, perfect for slow braising.
Rich, Flavorful Broth: The broth in this stew is both savory and satisfying. A combination of beef broth, tomato paste, herbs, and seasonings results in a perfectly balanced liquid base that makes every bite full of depth.
Perfectly Cooked Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and onions are essential to any great beef stew. The vegetables hold their shape and absorb all the wonderful flavors from the beef and broth, making each spoonful comforting.
Long, Slow Cooking Time: While it may seem tempting to rush, the key to great beef stew is cooking it low and slow. This allows the beef to become incredibly tender and lets the flavors meld together perfectly.

Ingredients for the Best Ever Beef Stew

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible beef stew:

For the Stew:

2 lbs beef chuck (cut into 1-inch cubes)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the beef)
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
3 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional, for added depth of flavor)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for added umami)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken the stew)

For Garnish (Optional):

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks to the pot in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef until it’s browned on all sides—this will help develop a deep, rich flavor. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant. The onions and garlic will pick up all the delicious browned bits left from the beef, infusing the stew with extra flavor.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Now, add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine. These vegetables will cook down and absorb all the flavors from the beef and broth.

Step 4: Add the Liquids and Seasonings

Next, pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any remaining browned bits. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and once it’s simmering, return the beef to the pot.

Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow

Once everything is combined, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully. If the stew gets too thick during cooking, you can add a bit more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

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