Bowl of hearty beef stew with vegetables and herbs

Beef Stew

Why Make This Recipe

Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish that warms you up from the inside out. It’s perfect for cold days or when you want to serve a satisfying meal to family and friends. The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth makes it a favorite for many. This recipe is easy to prepare and requires simple ingredients, making it a great choice for cooks of all skill levels.

How to Make Beef Stew

To make a delicious beef stew, gather your ingredients and follow these easy steps:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup potatoes, cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides.
  2. Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, then return the beef to the pot.
  4. Add the beef broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
  6. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

How to Serve Beef Stew

Serve beef stew hot, right from the pot. It’s great on its own, but you can also enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley, if you like.

How to Store Beef Stew

Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to cool it completely before placing it in the freezer.

Tips to Make Beef Stew

  • For extra flavor, consider marinating the beef in red wine for a few hours before cooking.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables, like peas or celery, for more variety.
  • If you want a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with some water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Variation

You can turn this beef stew into a beef and vegetable soup by adding more broth and additional vegetables, like zucchini or green beans. Adjust the seasonings to fit your taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for stew?
Yes, you can use cuts like brisket or round, but chuck is the best choice for tenderness.

2. How can I make my beef stew more flavorful?
Try using homemade beef broth and adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.

3. Can I cook beef stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.

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Hearty Beef Stew


  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 135 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: None

Description

A comforting beef stew made with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth, perfect for cold days.


Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup potatoes, cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil


Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides.
  2. Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, then return the beef to the pot.
  4. Add the beef broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 90 to 120 minutes, until the beef is tender.
  6. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the beef in red wine for a few hours before cooking. Feel free to add other vegetables, like peas or celery, for more variety.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 120 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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