Beef Stew

Why Make This Recipe

Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for family dinners or chilly nights. It’s easy to make and fills your home with a wonderful aroma as it cooks. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy tender chunks of beef and fresh vegetables in a rich broth. This recipe allows you to create a meal that everyone will love, and leftovers taste even better the next day!

How to Make Beef Stew

Making beef stew is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup potatoes, diced
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add beef chunks and brown on all sides.
3. Stir in onions and garlic; cook until onions are translucent.
4. Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
6. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
7. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

How to Serve Beef Stew

Beef stew is best served hot. You can ladle it into bowls and enjoy it on its own or with some crusty bread. It’s also delicious with a side of salad. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor.

How to Store Beef Stew

To store beef stew, let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Beef Stew

• For extra flavor, you can brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
• Feel free to add other vegetables, like peas or mushrooms, to the stew.
• If you want a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Variation

You can make a variation of beef stew by adding red wine to the broth for deeper flavor. Another option is to use a slow cooker, where you can combine all ingredients in the morning and let it cook throughout the day.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round. Just make sure they are suitable for slow cooking.

Q: Is beef stew healthy?
A: Beef stew can be a healthy meal when made with plenty of vegetables and lean beef. It also provides good protein and iron.

Q: Can I freeze beef stew?
A: Yes, beef stew freezes well. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and label it with the date.

Beef Stew

A hearty beef stew filled with tender chunks of beef and fresh vegetables, simmered in a rich broth, perfect for family dinners on chilly nights.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces Use a suitable cut for slow cooking.
• 4 cups beef broth Can use low-sodium broth.
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup potatoes, diced
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil For browning the beef.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add beef chunks and brown on all sides.
3. Stir in onions and garlic; cook until onions are translucent.

Cooking

1. Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
3. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
4. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Notes

Beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For extra flavor, brown the beef in batches and feel free to add other vegetables like peas or mushrooms. If a thicker stew is desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.