Homemade Beef Stew

Description:

Homemade Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly day. Tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions simmered in a rich, savory broth create a hearty, flavorful meal. This stew is easy to make and the flavors only improve as it simmers, making it a great dish to prepare in advance. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the vegetables soak up all the delicious flavors. Serve it with crusty bread for a meal everyone will love!

Origin:

Beef stew is a classic dish that has been enjoyed worldwide in various forms. Its origin can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where stews made from meat, vegetables, and herbs were common. In many cultures, beef stew is a comforting, filling meal, especially during colder months.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8):

For the Stew:

• Beef stew meat (chuck or round): 2 lbs (900 g), cut into 1-inch cubes
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Carrots: 4 medium, peeled and sliced
• Potatoes: 4 medium, peeled and diced
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Beef broth: 4 cups (960 ml)
• Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
• Worcestershire sauce: 2 tbsp
• Bay leaves: 2
• Thyme: 1 tsp (dried) or 2 sprigs (fresh)
• Rosemary: 1 tsp (dried) or 1 sprig (fresh)
• Salt: 1 ½ tsp (adjust to taste)
• Black pepper: ½ tsp
• Flour: 2 tbsp (for thickening)
• Frozen peas: 1 cup (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Stew Base

1. Add the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
2. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in a little bit of beef broth (about ¼ cup) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings: Return the browned beef to the pot and add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the stew to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

1. Simmer: Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer the stew for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and check for seasoning.
2. Thicken the Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, in a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of cold water (about ¼ cup) to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew and cook for an additional 10 minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Add Peas (Optional): If using, add the frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir to combine.
2. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Tips for Success:

• Browning the Beef: Don’t skip browning the beef, as it adds deep flavor to the stew. Do it in batches to ensure even browning.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Allow the stew to simmer slowly for the best tenderness and flavor development. Don’t rush the cooking process.
• Use Chuck Roast: Beef chuck is ideal for stew because it becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks.
• Thickening the Stew: If you don’t want to use flour, you can also thicken the stew by mashing some of the potatoes in the stew or using cornstarch.
• Freezing: This stew freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Recommendations:

• Pairing: Serve the stew with crusty bread, cornbread, or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Add Red Wine: For a richer flavor, substitute 1 cup of beef broth with red wine. Let it simmer with the stew for deeper complexity.

Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 30 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg

This hearty, flavorful Homemade Beef Stew is the perfect meal to warm up with. The tender beef, comforting vegetables, and savory broth create a filling dish that will become a family favorite.