Simple Beef Stew Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic
This simple beef stew recipe is perfect for a chilly evening. It's easy to make, using readily available ingredients, and delivers a rich and flavorful result that will warm you from the inside out. This recipe focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend meal.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is easily scalable, so feel free to adjust the quantities based on how many servings you need.
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes. Choose a cut with good marbling for maximum tenderness. Chuck roast or beef shank work 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 (low sodium is preferred)
- 1 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor. Dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well.)
- 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 (for thickening, optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (alternative thickening method)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting beef stew:
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. This step helps to develop a rich flavor. Set the browned beef aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Building the Flavor
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmering to Perfection
Return the browned beef to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
Step 5: Thickening (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can thicken it in two ways:
- Flour Method: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with a little bit of cold water to form a smooth slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering stew. Cook for a few minutes until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
- Cornstarch Method: Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering stew. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the stew reaches your desired thickness.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Tips for the Best Beef Stew
- Use quality ingredients: The better the beef, the better the stew will taste.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the beef: This will ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Taste the stew before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Make it ahead: Beef stew tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
This simple beef stew recipe is a versatile and delicious meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
