Why Make This Recipe
Beef stew is a classic comfort food that warms you from the inside out. It’s perfect for cold days or when you need a hearty meal that the whole family will love. The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth makes for a satisfying dish. Plus, itโs easy to prepare and can be made in one pot, which means less cleanup for you!
How to Make Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion and garlic; sautรฉ until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, then return the beef to the pot.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your hearty beef stew!
How to Serve Beef Stew
Serve beef stew hot in bowls. You can add fresh bread or cornbread on the side to soak up the tasty broth. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top can add a nice color and flavor.
How to Store Beef Stew
To store leftover beef stew, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Beef Stew
- Browning the beef well adds a lot of flavor, so donโt rush that step.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
- For a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Variation
You can make a lighter version by using lean beef or turkey. You can also add different herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a slow cooker for this beef stew?
A: Yes, you can brown the beef and vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours.
Q: Is there a way to make this stew gluten-free?
A: Yes, just use gluten-free beef broth and make sure any additional seasonings are also gluten-free.
Q: Can I make this stew without wine?
A: Absolutely! You can simply replace the wine with more beef broth or water for a delicious stew without alcohol.
Print
Hearty Beef Stew
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A classic comfort food that combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion and garlic; sautรฉ until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, then return the beef to the pot.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 90 to 120 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your hearty beef stew!
Notes
Browning the beef well adds a lot of flavor. Feel free to add other vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
