Savory Beef Stew Recipe Ultimate Comfort Food for All

Ah, beef stew. There’s something incredibly comforting about it, isn’t there? I can still remember my grandma standing over her stove, the rich aroma of simmering beef and vegetables filling the kitchen, and that was my cue to come running! She always said a good beef stew was like a warm hug on a cold day, and boy, she wasn’t wrong. As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, this classic dish just feels right, don’t you think?

This Beef Stew Recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s the type of meal that brings family together around the dinner table, where laughter flows as freely as the red wine. So grab your favorite pot, and let’s dive into this delicious comfort food that you’ll love to share!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Weeknight Dinner: Just dump and simmer — it practically cooks itself!
• Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients come together for a dish that tastes gourmet.
• Comforting Flavors: It’s like a cozy blanket wrapped around your taste buds.
• Meal Prep Friendly: The leftovers are even better the next day!

Ingredients

First things first! Here’s what you’ll need to create this heartwarming stew:

• 2 pounds beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces (look for well-marbled pieces for tenderness)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 4 large carrots, sliced (or 1 pound baby carrots for ease)
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon Golds are my favorite for creaminess)
• 6 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought, but low-sodium is best)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a sprig of fresh if you have it on hand)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home.

1. Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef pieces generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. You want that nice caramelization because it really boosts the flavor!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Remove the browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, add the onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute — the aroma is already divine!
3. Add Veggies: Now toss in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir everything together and let them sweat for about 5 minutes. This step builds up layers of flavor.
4. Mix in the Good Stuff: Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring it all to a simmer, and oh, the anticipation!
5. Let it Simmer: Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Make sure to stir occasionally, and don’t forget to taste along the way (the secret of every great cook!).
6. Final Seasoning: Once the beef is fork-tender, remove the bay leaves, check for seasoning, and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If you like it a bit thicker, you can mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and stir it in to thicken it up!
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. The smell is going to be incredible — and your guests (or family) won’t be able to resist!

Pro Tips & Variations

Cooking should be fun and creative! Here are some pro tips and ideas to customize your stew:

• Herbs & Spices: Want to spice things up? Add a bay leaf, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a deep, rich flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to throw in mushrooms, green beans, or peas — the more veggies, the merrier! They’ll add texture and color.
• Wine Enthusiasts: A splash of red wine (about 1 cup) added with the broth can give your stew an extra depth of flavor. Just remember to simmer off the alcohol!
• For the Heat Lovers: Add diced jalapeños or even a few shakes of hot sauce for some extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve mastered the art of beef stew, how do you serve it? This dish is perfect on its own, but let’s make it a feast! I love serving my stew with a crusty loaf of French bread to soak up every last drop of that savory sauce. Or, serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes for an extra cozy meal.

You could even pair it with a light side salad for a bit of crunch and freshness. And if you’re feeling festive, a glass of bold red wine is the cherry on top of this delightful dining experience!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and enjoy them without losing any of that delicious flavor:

• Refrigerating: Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in portions. Make sure to leave a little room in the container for expansion. It’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water if it seems too thick. Or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up!

FAQs

Can I use other meats in this stew?

Absolutely! Pork or lamb can be beautiful substitutes. Just adjust cooking times slightly as they may cook differently than beef.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

No worries! You can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a lighter stew. Just remember to add a bit more seasoning to make up for the flavorful depth of beef broth.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the meat and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.

Is this stew gluten-free?

It can be! Just ensure that your broth and any sauces used (like Worcestershire) are gluten-free, and voila, you’re good to go!

Conclusion

There you have it! A delicious Beef Stew Recipe that is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your home. I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do. It’s truly the perfect dish for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or anytime you need a little extra love in a bowl. I’d love to hear your thoughts or any variations you try. Feel free to comment below or share your photos — happy cooking!

Savory Beef Stew Recipe Ultimate Comfort Food for All

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 150 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Delight in this savory beef stew recipe perfect for cozy dinners Enjoy ultimate comfort food with tender meat and rich flavors Cook now

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds of beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

4 large carrots, sliced

2 stalks of celery, chopped

4 medium potatoes, diced

6 cups of beef broth

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon of dried thyme

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Brown the beef: In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef pieces generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.

Sauté the aromatics: Remove the browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, add the onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add veggies: Toss in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Stir everything together and let them sweat for about 5 minutes.

Mix in the good stuff: Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.

Let it simmer: Cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.

Final seasoning: Remove the bay leaves, check for seasoning, and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve and enjoy: Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Notes

A delicious Beef Stew Recipe that is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your home, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: beef stew, recipe, comfort food