Description:
Warm up with a hearty bowl of classic beef stew! This rich and flavorful dish combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, making it the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients:
- Beef chuck roast: 2 lbs (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- All-purpose flour: ¼ cup (for coating beef)
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large (diced)
- Garlic: 3 cloves (minced)
- Carrots: 3 (sliced)
- Celery: 2 stalks (chopped)
- Potatoes: 3 medium (peeled and cubed)
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
- Beef broth: 4 cups
- Red wine (optional): ½ cup
- Bay leaves: 2
- Thyme (fresh or dried): 1 teaspoon
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (optional, for added texture)
Optional Ingredients:
- Parsnips or turnips: 1 cup (for a twist in flavor)
- Mushrooms: 1 cup (sliced, for extra umami)
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon (for depth)
Tips for Success:
- Brown the beef: Sear the beef cubes in batches to develop a deep, rich flavor.
- Layer the flavors: Sauté onions and garlic after browning the meat for a flavorful base.
- Low and slow cooking: Simmer the stew for 2–3 hours for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Thicken the broth: Mash a few potatoes into the stew or add a cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.
- Season well: Adjust salt and spices toward the end for the best balance of flavors.
Steps to Make It:
- Prepare the beef: Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, coat lightly in flour, and shake off excess.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown beef on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, cook onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add tomato paste and deglaze: Stir in tomato paste, then pour in red wine (if using) to deglaze the pan.
- Simmer: Return beef to the pot, add potatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 2–3 hours.
- Add peas: Stir in peas 10 minutes before serving. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Recommendations:
- Serving suggestion: Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. 1.5 cups):
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
This classic beef stew is a cozy, satisfying meal that brings the flavors of home to every bite.
