Description
Classic Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting dish made with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly days or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (or additional beef broth)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the beef with salt and pepper, then toss with flour to coat lightly.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, removing to a plate once browned.
- In the same pot, add onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Then add beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Return the beef to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Continue cooking, covered, for 30–40 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- If you want a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, make the stew a day ahead and reheat before serving.
- You can use pearl onions or mushrooms as additions.
- Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg