Beef Stew Recipe: A Comforting, Hearty Meal for Any Season
Beef stew is one of those timeless comfort foods that brings warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home, hosting a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week, a well-made beef stew can turn any day into a special occasion. This hearty dish combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread or serving over mashed potatoes.
In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to making a mouthwatering beef stew, complete with useful tips and tricks to ensure the best results. We’ll also cover storage tips, nutritional information, and more to make sure this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for the Best Beef Stew
To make the most flavorful and tender beef stew, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or stew meat)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds richness)
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot) and brown on all sides. This will take about 5 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, add the carrots, celery, and potatoes, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to help thicken the stew and remove the raw flour taste.
4. Deglaze with Red Wine
Pour in the red wine (if using) and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and will add richness to the broth.
5. Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth, then add the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the tomato paste dissolves into the broth.
6. Simmer the Stew
Return the browned beef to the pot, stir, and bring the stew to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally, and check the seasoning, adjusting as necessary.
7. Thicken the Stew (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little cold water to create a slurry, then slowly add it to the stew while stirring. Allow it to simmer for another 10-15 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Garnish and Serve
Once your beef stew is ready, remove the bay leaf and discard. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Recipe Notes
- Beef Choice: Use a well-marbled cut of beef, such as chuck roast or stew meat. These cuts become incredibly tender when simmered slowly in the broth.
- Veggie Variations: You can add other vegetables like parsnips, peas, or mushrooms, depending on your preferences.
- Red Wine: While optional, red wine adds an extra layer of depth and flavor to the stew. If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute with more beef broth.
- Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer using a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables in a pan first. Then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Time and Serving
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
This recipe yields 6-8 servings, depending on portion size. It’s perfect for a family dinner or to have leftovers for lunch the next day.
Storage Instructions
Beef stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply place the stew in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
Each serving of beef stew (based on 8 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg (depending on the broth used)
These values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Extra Tips for Perfect Beef Stew
- Use Bone-In Beef: For even more flavor, consider using bone-in beef chunks or short ribs. The marrow from the bones adds richness to the broth.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Allow the stew to cook slowly for the best results. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful and tender the beef will become.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Beef stew is perfect for dipping, so serve it with a side of crusty bread or buttery biscuits.
How to Serve Beef Stew
Beef stew is a hearty dish that can be served in many ways:
- With Crusty Bread: A thick slice of warm, buttered bread pairs wonderfully with the stew, perfect for soaking up the savory broth.
- Over Mashed Potatoes: For an extra comforting meal, serve the stew over creamy mashed potatoes.
- With Rice: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, serve the stew with steamed rice to soak up the delicious broth.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Ideal for browning the beef and simmering the stew.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping the vegetables and cutting the beef into chunks.
- Wooden Spoon: To stir the ingredients and scrape the bottom of the pot.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
