Beef Stew Easy Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 05, 2025

21

Share

Beef Stew: An Easy Recipe for a Hearty Meal

Are you craving a warm, comforting, and flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this simple beef stew recipe! Perfect for a cozy night in or a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious beef stew that will become a family favorite.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous cooking session. Here's what you'll need:

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (chuck roast works wonderfully)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor; substitute with more broth if needed)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

This recipe is designed for simplicity, allowing even beginner cooks to create a restaurant-quality beef stew. Follow these steps for a perfect result:

Step 1: Browning the Beef

1. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides for even cooking. This step develops rich flavor.
4. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

1. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Building the Stew

1. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
2. Return the browned beef to the pot.
3. Add the beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.

Step 4: Adding Potatoes and Thickening (Optional)

1. After 1.5-2 hours, add the cubed potatoes to the stew.
2. If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk together the flour with a couple of tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the stew and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened to your liking.

Step 5: Serving and Enjoying

1. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley.
3. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.

Tips for the Best Beef Stew:

• Use a Dutch oven: A Dutch oven retains heat beautifully, resulting in a more tender beef.
• Don't overcrowd the pot: Browning the beef in batches ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
• Low and slow: Simmering the stew on low heat allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become incredibly tender.
• Adjust seasonings: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.

This easy beef stew recipe is a perfect example of how a simple dish can be incredibly satisfying. Enjoy!