Rich and Hearty Beef Stew: A One-Pot Comfort Meal for Any Occasion
Introduction :
Beef stew is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and rich, savory broth. This classic recipe brings together the warmth and nourishment of a slow-cooked meal, perfect for cozy evenings or special family gatherings. It’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to make, with deep flavors that develop beautifully as it simmers. Whether it’s a cold winter night or you just need a wholesome, filling meal, this beef stew is a winner.
Table of Contents
Hearty Beef Stew Recipe: A Comforting Classic for Any Occasion
Course: soups, main, meatCuisine: GlobalDifficulty: Medium4-6
servings400
kcal2
hours30
minutesThis rich and hearty beef stew from xRecipes is the perfect comfort meal, packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, this one-pot dish is easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in. With its wholesome ingredients and rich flavors, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Ready in just a few simple steps, this beef stew recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Crusty bread for serving (optional)
Directions
- Sear the Beef: Begin by seasoning the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches to sear on all sides, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook down for about 5 minutes until reduced by half. Then, add the beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, and the seared beef back to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add the Potatoes: About 30 minutes before the stew is done, add the chopped potatoes to the pot. Continue simmering until the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened slightly.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes into the broth or let the stew simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the beef stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it with crusty bread on the side for dipping into the rich, flavorful broth.
Notes
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Using a cut like chuck roast, which becomes tender after slow cooking, is essential for achieving melt-in-your-mouth beef.
- Time for Depth of Flavor: Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop deeply. While it might be tempting to rush, letting the stew simmer for the full time will result in the best texture and taste.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for more flavor and texture variety.
- Make Ahead: Beef stew tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal meal for meal prep or leftovers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
A Classic Dish with Timeless Appeal
Beef stew is a dish that transcends generations and cultures, offering warmth and comfort with every spoonful. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a balanced meal that is both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a dinner with friends, beef stew is a timeless choice that never disappoints.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. If you prefer a thicker stew, simply let it simmer uncovered for a while longer or use flour or cornstarch to thicken the broth. The addition of red wine brings a rich depth of flavor, but it’s optional and can be replaced with extra broth or water if desired.
No matter how you serve it, with a slice of crusty bread or just a simple side salad, this beef stew will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. The blend of tender meat, rich broth, and hearty vegetables makes it a dish that warms both the body and the soul.
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