Hearty Classic Beef Stew
A comforting, easy beef stew packed with tender meat and vegetables, perfect for any cozy meal.
Classic Beef Stew
This hearty beef stew recipe delivers tender chunks of beef simmered with fresh vegetables in a rich broth. It’s the perfect comfort dish for chilly days or any time you crave a satisfying one-pot meal.
Ingredients and Preparation
Using simple ingredients like beef chuck, carrots, potatoes, beef broth, and aromatic herbs, this stew comes together with a few easy steps that create deep, comforting flavors. Browning the meat adds a savory crust, while slow simmering guarantees tenderness and melding of flavors.
Cooking Steps
After searing the beef, sauté onions and celery for extra savoriness. Adding tomato paste enriches the broth’s taste, and simmering with thyme and bay leaves builds a classic profile. Adding vegetables later ensures they remain firm yet tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this beef stew with a side of crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes for a warming meal. It also reheats well, making it ideal for meal prepping and leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Recommended Kitchen Equipment
Shop on AmazonRecommended kitchen tools for this recipe:
🛈 As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Advertisement
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
Nutrition (Total)
Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Before You Start
- •Cut vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- •Pat beef cubes dry before seasoning to help them brown better.
- •Prepare all ingredients before starting to streamline cooking.
Advertisement
Shop Fresh Ingredients
Shop on AmazonGet fresh ingredients delivered to your door:
🛈 As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Instructions
Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in batches until nicely seared on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics
In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and celery and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add liquids and seasonings
Return the beef to the pot and stir in tomato paste and flour. Mix well, then pour in beef broth and water. Add thyme, bay leaves, and more salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil.
Simmer stew
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Add vegetables and finish cooking
Add carrots and potatoes, cover again, and cook for an additional 45 minutes until vegetables and beef are tender. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Advertisement
Chef's Tips
- •Brown the beef in batches to avoid steaming and get a better crust.
- •For extra flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine before adding broth.
- •Use stew beef with some marbling for tender and juicy results.
- •If the stew is too thin, stir in a slurry of flour and water and simmer until thickened.
- •Leftovers taste even better the next day after flavors meld.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a slow cooker for this beef stew?
Yes, brown the meat and sauté aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How can I make the stew thicker?
Mix 1-2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew, simmering until it thickens.
Can I substitute other vegetables?
Absolutely, root vegetables like parsnips or turnips, or peas, green beans, and mushrooms can be added for variety.
Tags
Advertisement
Reviews (0)
Sign in to leave a review and rating!
You Might Also Like
Classic Spaghetti Carbonara
Authentic spaghetti carbonara recipe with creamy egg sauce, crispy pancetta, and Parmesan cheese (no cream).
Margherita Pizza
Classic Neapolitan pizza with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce on a crispy crust
Chicken Tacos
Flavorful seasoned chicken tacos with fresh toppings and homemade salsa