When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm, hearty beef stew, brimming with tender pieces of beef, savory vegetables, and rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish will instantly become a beloved staple in your family’s recipe collection. Today, I’m walking you through how to create this mouth-watering recipe step-by-step, ensuring every bite is a symphony of flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
Equipments
- Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Hearty Beef Stew Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in a single layer and sear them on each side until they’re a deep golden brown. This process, known as browning, is essential for locking in flavors and creating a rich, savory base for your stew. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir these ingredients until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds the aromatic base of your stew, setting a flavorful stage for the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Beef
Introduce the sliced carrots and diced potatoes into the pot, followed by the browned beef cubes. Stir everything together, ensuring that the vegetables are evenly distributed with the meat. The vegetables will soak up flavors from the beef juices, contributing to the stew’s hearty taste and texture.
Step 4: Deglaze and Season
Pour the red wine into the pot, carefully scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to incorporate any browned bits into the mix. This process, deglazing, adds depth to the stew. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. The addition of these seasonings will infuse the stew with warmth and aroma.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Finally, add the beef broth, ensuring all ingredients are covered. Increase the heat and bring the stew to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
How to Serve Hearty Beef Stew Recipe
Serve your hearty beef stew with fresh crusty bread or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. You can also garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best results, choose a well-marbled cut of beef such as chuck. This ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Moreover, feel free to experiment by adding other root vegetables or even peas for additional sweetness and color.
Power-Packed Protein: High Protein Beef Stew Version
If you’re aiming for a protein boost, consider swapping regular potatoes for sweet potatoes and adding beans or lentils to the mix. These ingredients not only increase the nutritional value but also add a different texture and flavor profile to this classic dish.
Low Carb Delight: A Keto-Friendly Beef Stew
To make a low-carb version, eliminate the potatoes and substitute with cauliflower florets or broccoli. This variation is perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet, offering the same warm, satisfying experience with fewer carbohydrates.
Storage Instructions
Let your stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in single-serving portions for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and easy meal on busy days.
FAQs
- Can I use other cuts of beef? Yes, you can use brisket or round cuts. Just ensure they’re suitable for slow cooking.
- What if I don’t have red wine? You can substitute it with more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for an acidic touch.
- Can I make this stew ahead of time? Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop further.
- Is it possible to cook this in a slow cooker? Yes, after browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
A Hearty Invitation
This hearty beef stew recipe is truly a family favorite that promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Try this recipe and make sure to leave a comment with your experience, share it with friends, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious spoonful!
The Ultimate Hearty Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- vegetable oil
- large onion
- garlic
- large carrots
- potatoes
- beef broth
- red wine
- tomato paste
- dried thyme
- dried rosemary
- salt and pepper
- bay leaves
Instructions
Steps
- Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and the reserved beef cubes. Stir to combine.
- Pour in red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping the bottom to incorporate any browned bits. Add tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Add beef broth to the pot, ensuring all ingredients are covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.