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Beef Stew

Beef Stew

This Beef Stew is a comforting, slow-cooked classic featuring tender beef chunks, rich broth, and a vibrant mix of vegetables. Perfect for cozy nights or batch cooking, it delivers deep, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth meat that warms up the whole family.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Broth

  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into uniform cubes
  • 4 cups beef broth (preferably homemade)
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)

Vegetables

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

Seasonings and Thickening

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • Oil for searing (vegetable or olive oil)

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Ingredients: Cut the beef into uniform cubes for even cooking. Peel and chop carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes into similar sizes to ensure harmonious texture.
  2. Searing the Beef: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. In batches, sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides. This caramelization locks in flavor and creates a rich base for the stew.
  3. Sautéing the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, layering aromatic complexity into the stew.
  4. Adding Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the beef broth and red wine if using. Add thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Simmering Low and Slow: Return the seared beef to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
  6. Adding Potatoes and Thickening: About 30 minutes before the stew is done, add the potatoes. Mix the flour with a little water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew to thicken the broth to your desired consistency.
  7. Final Adjustments: Remove the bay leaves and thyme stems, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives.

Notes

  • Choose well-marbled beef chuck for tender, juicy meat that holds up to slow cooking.
  • Don’t skip browning the beef; it builds depth of flavor unattainable by boiling alone.
  • Homemade beef broth is preferred for unmatched richness but store-bought works fine.
  • Simmer slowly and patiently to achieve melt-in-your-mouth beef texture.
  • Let the stew rest, covered, after cooking to allow flavors to marry further.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening.
  • Try variations like adding chili flakes for a spicy kick or swapping beef with mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop Slow Simmer
  • Cuisine: American / Classic Comfort Food
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free thickener and broth)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: beef stew, comfort food, slow cooked, hearty dinner, winter meal, gluten free beef stew