Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With its rich flavors and tender ingredients, this dish warms your heart and soul. Imagine sitting down to a steaming bowl of beef stew after a long day. The aroma fills your home with a sense of coziness that very few meals can replicate. This easy-to-make beef stew recipe features succulent pieces of beef simmered to perfection, nestled among hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Itβs a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also brings people together around the dinner table.
Main Ingredients
How to Prepare Beef Stew
Step 1: Sear the Meat
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Sear the cubed beef chuck roast in batches, cooking 3-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 2: SautΓ© Vegetables
In the same pot, sautΓ© chopped onions and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes. Add carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes. Then, add diced potatoes and stir.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in red wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pot to release the browned bits. Let the wine reduce for about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Return the seared beef to the pot. Add tomato paste, beef broth, and herbs. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for at least an hour.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
Check the tenderness of the beef and vegetables. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving with crusty bread or fresh herbs.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve beef stew in warm bowls with crusty bread, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Storing Leftovers
Cool the stew, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Mistakes to avoid
Tips and tricks
Marinate the beef: A simple marinade with red wine, garlic, and herbs can tenderize and infuse flavor into the meat. Let it sit for at least an hour or overnight.
Use quality stock: Homemade is best, but low-sodium store-bought stock works well to control salt and maintain a rich taste.
Cut vegetables uniformly: Ensure even cooking by dicing root vegetables like potatoes and carrots into similar sizes.
Add acidity: A splash of vinegar or lemon juice before serving brightens flavors and balances the stew’s richness.
Rest the stew: Let the stew sit for an hour after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.
FAQs
What type of beef is best for beef stew?
The ideal choice for making beef stew is chuck roast due to its balance of fat and connective tissue. This cut breaks down beautifully during slow cooking processes, resulting in tender pieces that absorb flavors well from surrounding ingredients like vegetables and broth.
Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! A slow cooker is an excellent method for preparing beef stew because it allows flavors to develop over several hours without constant monitoring. Simply brown your meat beforehand, add all ingredients into the cooker, set it on low heat, and let it simmer until doneβtypically around eight hours.
How do I thicken my beef stew?
To thicken your beef stew effectively, you can use several methods: one popular option is creating a slurry by mixing flour or cornstarch with cold water before adding it back into boiling stew gradually until reaching desired thickness.
Can I freeze leftover beef stew?
Absolutely! Leftover beef stew freezes quite well when stored in airtight containers or freezer bags. Just ensure it cools completely before freezing; this prevents ice crystals from forming which could affect texture upon reheating later on.
What sides pair well with beef stew?
Beef stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or over mashed potatoes for extra comfort food appeal! Other great options include rice or egg noodles which help soak up delicious broth while complementing hearty flavors within each bite!
How long does homemade beef stew last in the fridge?
Homemade beef stew generally lasts about three to four days when stored properly in an airtight container within refrigerator temperatures below 40Β°F (4Β°C). For longer storage durations beyond this timeframe, consider freezing instead!
Print
Easy and Delicious Beef Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy and Delicious Beef Stew is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth come together in a satisfying one-pot meal thatβs simple to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sautΓ© the onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the beef back into the pot along with the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef and vegetables are tender.
- If desired, whisk flour into a bit of water and stir into the stew to thicken. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in beef chunks or add a splash of red wine during cooking.
- You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
