Beef Stew

Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of classic beef stew. This timeless dish is packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Here’s how to make a traditional beef stew that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of beef broth
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

• In a large bowl, season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle the flour over the beef and toss to coat evenly.

2. Brown the Beef:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Build the Broth:

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
• Pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Add the bay leaves and dried thyme.

5. Simmer the Stew:

• Return the browned beef to the pot.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
• Cover and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

6. Add the Vegetables:

• After the stew has simmered for 1 hour, add the carrots, potatoes, and celery.
• Continue to simmer for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fork-tender.

7. Final Touches:

• Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve:

• Ladle the stew into bowls.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
• Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Beef Stew

1. Choose the Right Cut: Beef chuck is ideal for stew due to its marbling, which breaks down and becomes tender during slow cooking.
2. Brown the Beef Well: Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the stew. Make sure to do it in batches to avoid steaming the meat.
3. Low and Slow Cooking: Simmering the stew slowly allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.
4. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can remove a cup of the stew, blend it, and return it to the pot, or simply let the stew simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.

This classic beef stew recipe is a true comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a hearty, satisfying meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender textures of this timeless dish!