Dutch Oven Beef Stew Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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Dutch Oven Beef Stew: A Hearty, Flavorful Winter Warmer

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a delicious, comforting bowl of beef stew. And what better way to make it than in a trusty Dutch oven? This recipe will guide you through creating a rich, tender, and incredibly flavorful beef stew that will become a family favorite. Let's dive in!

Why Use a Dutch Oven?

A Dutch oven is the ideal cooking vessel for beef stew. Its thick walls and tight-fitting lid create an even cooking environment, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender and the vegetables to cook perfectly without burning. The even heat distribution also helps to deepen the flavors of the stew, resulting in a more intense and satisfying taste.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Sealing the Beef:

1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a good sear.
2. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. This step develops a rich, flavorful crust on the beef. Set aside the seared beef.

Building the Flavor Base:

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

Simmering to Perfection:

1. Return the seared beef to the Dutch oven.
2. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using).
3. Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef becomes and the richer the flavor.

Finishing Touches:

1. Add the cubed potatoes and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
2. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
3. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

This hearty beef stew is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping, a side salad, or mashed potatoes.

Tips for the Best Dutch Oven Beef Stew:

• Use quality beef: The better the beef, the better the stew will taste.
• Don't overcrowd the pot: Sear the beef in batches for even browning.
• Low and slow is key: Simmering the stew on low heat for a longer period ensures tender beef and rich flavors.
• Taste and adjust: Seasoning is key. Taste the stew before serving and adjust accordingly.
• Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or herbs to customize your stew.

This Dutch Oven Beef Stew recipe is sure to become a staple in your winter cooking repertoire. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out!