Hearty Beef Stew Recipe a classic comfort dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. With tender beef, rich vegetables, and flavorful broth, it’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something satisfying. This blog covers a straightforward beef stew recipe with a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and nutrition facts for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
For this beef stew recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, for richer flavor)
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
Start by patting the beef cubes dry with a paper towel. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper. - Brown the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the meat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is nicely browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. - Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning. - Deglaze the Pot:
Pour the red wine into the pot (if using) and scrape the bottom to release any browned bits. This step adds depth to the stew’s flavor. Let the wine simmer for about 2 minutes. - Add the Liquids and Seasoning:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 hours. - Add the Vegetables:
After the stew has simmered, add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. - Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes until the stew reaches your desired consistency. - Season to Taste and Serve:
Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 450 | – |
| Protein | 30g | – |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | – |
| Fat | 20g | – |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | – |
| Cholesterol | 80mg | – |
| Fiber | 5g | – |
| Sugar | 4g | – |
| Sodium | 800mg | – |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 7,000 IU | 140% |
| Vitamin C | 25mg | 30% |
Tips for the Perfect Beef Stew
- Use Beef Chuck: It’s the ideal cut for stew as it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the beef before simmering adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added flavor.
Beef stew is a dish that never disappoints, providing a hearty and delicious meal with minimal effort. Whether served with crusty bread or over a bed of rice, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!