Simple Beef Stew: A Comfort Food Classic
This simple beef stew recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. It's easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. This recipe is also highly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with different vegetables and spices. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and satisfying meal!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 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)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional, add during the last 30 minutes)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Sear the Beef: Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Deglaze the Pot: If using red wine, pour it into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds incredible depth of flavor to your stew. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly reduced.
-
Combine and Simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring 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 flavorful it becomes.
-
Add Potatoes (Optional): If using potatoes, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Once the beef is tender and the potatoes (if added) are cooked through, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker stew: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, or turnips.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano or sage.
- Make it in a slow cooker: Brown the beef as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
This simple beef stew recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #SimpleBeefStew on social media!
