There’s nothing quite like a bowl of rich, hearty beef stew to warm you up from the inside out. Imagine tender, fall-apart chunks of beef, sweet carrots, and fluffy potatoes all simmering together in a savory, flavor-packed gravy. This classic beef stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy Sunday dinner. It’s a one-pot wonder that fills your home with the most incredible, mouth-watering aroma.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins (includes simmering time)
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 lbs Beef Chuck, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, plus more to taste
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil, divided
- 1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 4 cups Beef Broth, low-sodium
- 1 cup Dry Red Wine, (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tsp Dried Thyme
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 1/2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 5 medium Carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup Frozen Peas
- Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Add the beef cubes and toss until they are evenly coated in the flour mixture.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the beef to the pot and sear on all sides until deeply browned. This step is crucial for building flavor. Transfer the seared beef to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Build the Broth: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes until it has reduced by about half.
- Simmer the Stew Base: Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then return the seared beef to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped potatoes and carrots to the stew. Stir, cover, and continue to simmer for another 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes until they are bright green and warmed through. Taste the stew and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the hot stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
Recipe Notes:
- Best Cut of Beef for Stew: Beef chuck is the ideal choice. It’s a tougher cut of meat with great marbling that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
- Why Searing is Important: Taking the time to brown the beef in batches creates a deep, rich flavor foundation for the entire stew through the Maillard reaction. Don’t skip this step!
- Thickening Your Stew: The flour on the beef will help thicken the stew as it cooks. If you prefer an even thicker gravy, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Red Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of additional beef broth. The wine does add a wonderful depth of flavor, however.
- Serving Suggestions: This hearty stew is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also fantastic served with crusty bread for dipping, over egg noodles, or with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
There you have it—a bowl of pure, unadulterated comfort. This classic beef stew is a labor of love that is well worth the wait, rewarding you with a rich, deeply flavorful meal that will warm your soul. We hope you and your family enjoy this timeless classic! Happy cooking!
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 550; Fat: 25g; Carbohydrates: 35g (Fiber: 6g, Sugars: 8g); Protein: 42g
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice.
