Beef Stew Recipe Details
What is comfort food? What kind of dish will warm you from the inside out, make your house smell amazing, and more. What is the best hug in a bowl? What is my family’s all-time favorite beef stew? What are some of the best watery stews you’ve ever had? What are some of the best beef stew recipes? What are some good kitchen staples? Is it like chili, but with bigger chunks of meat and veggies simmering in a delicious gravy? Instead of a spicy tomato sauce, I use fresh mozzarella instead of tomato. Is this a game changer?
What is Beef Stew?
What is beef stew? Think of it as the ultimate culinary blank canvas – a hearty, slow-cooked dish featuring tender, tender vegetables. What are some good chunks of beef simmered in a savory broth with an array of root vegetables? It’s essentially a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary. Through the magic of time and low heat. What is beef stewed? Is there more than just two words? It’s generations of cooks perfecting the art of braising, coaxing every last bit of flavor out of every bite. What are the humble ingredients What is slow cooking? It’s about creating something wholesome and nourishing for the ones you love. In my family, it’s synonymous with Sunday afternoons and cozy nights in.
Why do you like this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this particular beef stew recipe is a winner. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. We’re talking deeply savory, rich, and complex. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, the vegetables are perfectly cooked, and the gravy? Oh, the gravy! It’s so good you’ll want to lick your bowl clean (and I won’t judge you if you do!). Secondly, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Don’t let the long cooking time intimidate you; most of it is hands-off simmering. I promise, it’s mostly just letting the flavors meld together. What I love most about this is how cost-effective it is. Beef stew is a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget, especially if you use a less expensive cut of beef like chuck roast. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious vegetables, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices. You can even make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for added convenience. Looking for something similar but with a spicy kick? Check out my What is your favorite chili recipe?What is a beef stew? What is your favorite home decor?
How do I make Beef Stew?
Quick Overview
How do I make beef stew? First, we’ll sear the beef to build a delicious crust and lock in those savory flavors. What is the best way to sauté vegetables to release their natural sweetness? After that, it’s just a matter of putting everything in tupperware with some broth and letting it cool. Is it safe to cook beef in a low heat? The beauty of this method is that it allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and complex flavor. Complex dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of steps. Each one is simple and contributes to the overall deliciousness of the stew. I promise it’s worth the effort!
Ingredients Notes:
For the Beef Stew:
Beef Chuck Roast: What is theHow do you make super tender beef? Is chuck roast a good substitute for stew meat?All-purpose Flour For dredging the beef and thickening the stew. You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.
Olive Oil: To sear the beef and sauté the vegetables.
Yellow Onion:I like yellow onion, but you can use white onion as well.Carrots:Adds sweetness and color. I like to use baby carrots because they are easy to chop, but you can use full-sized carrot too.Celery: Adds a subtle savory note and texture.
Garlic: Minced, for that essential garlic flavor.
Beef Broth:I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt level. The base of our stew.Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: What For that umami kick.
Dried Thyme: A classic herb that complements beef beautifully.
Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle aroma and flavor.
Potatoes: Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cubed. I like Yukon gold because they hold their shape well during cooking.
Frozen Peas:I like fresh peas. They add a bit of color and sweetness at the end. You can also use canned.Salt and pepper: What are the best To taste, of course!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
First things first, grab your chuck roast and cut it into roughly 1-inch cubes. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just try to keep them relatively uniform so they cook evenly. In a large bowl, toss the beef with the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Add the potatoes and mix well. What is the best way to thicken beef stew?
Step 2: Sear the Beef
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot! ) and sear on all sides until nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing a rich, flavorful crust on beef. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and serve. About 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for stew.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
If you have a small pot of beef broth, pour in the rest of the beef, scraping up any browned bits from the pot. What are some of the best browned bits?
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add the seared beef to the pot, then add the remaining beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper. What are some good recipes for using dried thyme and bay leaf? Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Simmer the Stew
What should I do if I have a large pot of stew? Bring it to the boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours, or until tender. What makes beef fall apart tender? I always do a taste test around the 2 hour mark. Does your stove need longer to cook?
Step 7: Add Potatoes and Peas
Add the cubed potatoes to the stew and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. What are the best ways to cook potatoes Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 8: Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf and season the stew with salt and pepper. What are some good ways to serve hot. I love serving it with a crusty piece of bread for soaking up all that delicious gravy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good recipes for beef stew? What are some serving suggestions?
For a Casual Dinner: Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the gravy. A simple green salad also pairs well.
For a Special Occasion: Top with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
For a Cozy Night In: Enjoy a bowl of beef stew while snuggled up on the couch with a good book or movie. Pair it with a glass of red wine or a mug of hot tea.
My family’s tradition is to have it with Irish soda bread, which my grandma used to bake. It just doesn’t feel like beef stew without it!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Beef Stew
Here are some tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years for making the perfect beef stew:
Don’t overcrowd the pot when searing the beef. Searing the beef in batches ensures that it browns properly and develops a flavorful crust. If you overcrowd the pot, the beef will steam instead of sear.
Use a good quality beef broth. The broth is the base of the stew, so using a good quality broth will make a big difference in the overall flavor. I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt level.
Don’t skip the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients add richness and depth of flavor to the stew.
Cook the stew low and slow. This allows the beef to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld together. I know it takes time, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Add the potatoes towards the end of the cooking time. If you add the potatoes too early, they will become mushy. I usually add them about 30 minutes before the stew is done.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables. You can add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes to the stew.
Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste the stew as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking.
I once forgot to add the Worcestershire sauce and it just wasn’t the same. That umami flavor is essential!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your leftover beef stew:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave it out for more than two hours. Bacteria love to grow in that temperature range.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually deepen overnight!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Glaze Timing Advice: This recipe doesn’t have a glaze, but if you were adding a garnish like sour cream, wait until serving to add it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, folks! My family’s all-time favorite beef stew recipe details for a truly comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. And if you love this comforting stew, then check out my Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for another heartwarming meal. I really hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a dish that’s been passed down through generations in my family, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and feel free to share any variations or tips you discover along the way!
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Beef Stew Recipe Details
IngredientsÂ
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 cups carrots sliced
- 2 cups potatoes diced
- 1 cup peas frozen
- 0.5 tsp pepper to taste
- 1 tsp salt to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and sear until browned on all sides.
- Add onions and garlic to the pot and cook until onions are translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and peas. Simmer for another 30-45 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
