Delicious Comfort Food for Any Occasion
There’s nothing quite like a hearty beef stew to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. This foolproof recipe is perfect for home cooks of any level, ensuring tender beef and rich flavor in every bite.
Recipe Overview
Yield: 6 servings
Total Time: 3 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5 hours
Ingredients
For this delectable stew, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 lbs chuck beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
– ¼ cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp oil or butter
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 cup red wine or extra beef stock
– 4 cups beef stock
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Optional: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 2-3 potatoes or parsnips, cubed
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a Dutch oven or a heavy pot, a wooden spoon, and a strainer for this recipe.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Trim excess fat from the beef and cut it into even cubes.
2. Pat the beef dry and coat with flour, salt, and pepper.
3. In batches, brown the beef in hot oil over medium-high heat, avoiding crowding the pot.
4. Once browned, deglaze the pot with wine or stock, scraping up browned bits.
5. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft, then add garlic.
6. Stir in tomato paste and bloom with thyme.
7. Return beef to the pot, add liquid to cover, and bring to a simmer.
8. Braise in the oven at 300–325°F or on the stovetop for about 2 hours until fork-tender.
9. Add cubed potatoes or parsnips during the last 30 minutes for even texture.
10. For thickness, reduce the liquid or add a slurry as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
11. Let the stew rest for 15 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips and Storage
For extra flavor, brown the beef well, rest it properly, and skim excess fat before serving. You can make this stew ahead of time, refrigerate, or freeze it. When reheating, make sure it reaches a gentle simmer. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a comforting meal. Each serving has approximately 350 calories.