Intro:
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful classic beef stew recipe made with tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth. This one-pot meal is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights and easy family dinners.
đź“‹ Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Beef
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
- Add the beef in batches (do not overcrowd the pan) and brown all sides.
- Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Flour and Tomato Paste
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
- Slowly pour in the 4 cups of beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add thyme, carrots, and potatoes. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Cook the Stew
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the stew is thick and flavorful, remove from heat.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
âś… Tips for the Best Beef Stew:
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine while deglazing the pot.
- Cut your beef and vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Stew tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep!
