Beef stew is a timeless comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or a satisfying weekend meal. It’s a hearty combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. The beauty of beef stew lies in its simplicity and versatility. While the core ingredients remain the same, you can customize it to your taste with various vegetables, herbs, and even different cuts of meat.
This recipe provides a basic framework for a delicious beef stew. Feel free to experiment and add your own personal touch!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds stewing beef, trimmed and cubed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prep the beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the beef with flour, salt, and pepper.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Set browned beef aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add more olive oil to the pot if needed. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze and simmer: Deglaze the pan by pouring in the red wine (if using) and scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Bring to a simmer for a minute, then pour in the beef broth. Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Stir in the potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and vegetables are softened.
- Thicken the stew (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering stew until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or rice.
Tips:
- For richer flavor, brown the beef in batches instead of crowding the pan Tipsblog.de/.
- Use a good quality beef broth for the best results. You can also substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- This stew tastes even better the next day! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to your liking, such as peas, mushrooms, or green beans.
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for a unique twist.
With this recipe as your guide, you can create a delicious and comforting beef stew that your family will love. So grab your favorite Dutch oven, gather your ingredients, and simmer up a pot of pure culinary comfort!