Introduction
This Hearty Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender beef, rich broth, and perfectly cooked vegetables. Slow-simmered for deep flavor, this dish is ideal for chilly nights, family dinners, or meal prepping.
Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious, slow-cooked beef stew that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
-Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich and Flavorful: Slow-cooked for maximum depth of flavor.
✔ Tender Beef: Melts in your mouth after simmering.
✔ Loaded with Vegetables: A complete, well-balanced meal in one pot.
✔ Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!
-Ingredients
2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 potatoes, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup peas (optional, for added sweetness)
3 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (or additional beef broth)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
-Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Beef
1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Pat the beef cubes dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Brown the beef in batches, searing each side for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
-2. Sauté the Aromatics
1. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot.
2. Sauté the onions for 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
-3. Deglaze and Simmer
1. Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
2. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and seared beef.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
-4. Add the Vegetables
1. Stir in the carrots, potatoes, and celery.
2. Continue simmering uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
3. If using peas, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
-5. Thicken the Stew (Optional)
1. Mix 2 tbsp flour with ¼ cup water to create a slurry.
2. Stir it into the stew and cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
-6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.
-Serving Suggestions
With Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
Over Mashed Potatoes: A heartier way to enjoy the stew.
With a Side Salad: Adds freshness and balance to the meal.
-Tips for Success
✅ Sear the Beef Well: This locks in flavor and creates a rich stew base.
✅ Low and Slow Cooking: The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef.
✅ Don’t Skip the Wine: Adds depth of flavor (substitute with extra broth if needed).
✅ Adjust Thickness: Add more broth for a thinner stew or use a flour slurry for a thicker consistency.
-Variations
Spicy Beef Stew: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Guinness Beef Stew: Replace red wine with dark beer for a deeper flavor.
Vegetable Beef Stew: Add mushrooms, parsnips, or bell peppers.
Slow Cooker Version: Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours after searing the beef.
-Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in portioned containers.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding broth if needed.
-Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 15g
-The Story Behind Beef Stew
Beef stew has been a comfort food staple for centuries, originating from European peasant dishes where tough cuts of meat were slow-cooked until tender. Today, beef stew is a global favorite, found in cuisines from French Boeuf Bourguignon to Irish Guinness Stew.
This classic version stays true to its roots, offering deep, savory flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes it a family favorite.
-Conclusion
This Hearty Beef Stew is a rich, comforting meal perfect for cold nights, meal prep, or family dinners. With tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, home-cooked bowl of classic beef stew!