There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty beef stew to comfort you on a chilly day. This easy beef stew recipe is a classic that requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor. Perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned kitchen veterans, this stew will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
How to Make Easy Beef Stew Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients.
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Cut the beef into bite-sized cubes, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the carrots and potatoes into chunks. Gather all the seasonings and prep your workspace for easy access during cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Beef.
Heat half of the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning each side. This helps to develop flavor. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic.
In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil, then the chopped onions. Sauté until translucent before adding the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, taking care not to burn them.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine.
Pour the red wine into the pot, scraping any brown bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the alcohol cooks off, concentrating the flavor into the base.
Step 5: Add Tomato Paste and Broth.
Stir in the tomato paste until well combined, then pour in the beef broth. Return the browned beef to the pot and stir.
Step 6: Add Vegetables and Simmer.
Add the carrots and potatoes to the stew. Mix in thyme, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well blended.
How to Serve Easy Beef Stew Recipe
Serve the stew hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for extra flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the delightful broth.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
If you’d like extra flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or bay leaves. For a thicker stew, mix corn starch with cold water and add during the last 30 minutes of simmering. Adjust seasoning according to taste preferences.
Pumped-Up Protein: The High-Protein Beef Stew Warning
Feel like a protein boost? Increasing the beef quantity and incorporating lentils or chickpeas can raise the protein levels significantly while adding a delightful texture to the stew.
Low-Carb Variant: A Vegetable-Rich Beef Stew Transformation
Prefer a low-carb option? Simply replace potatoes with turnips or cauliflower. You can also reduce the wine and use more broth to cut down on sugars while maintaining rich flavors.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This stew also freezes well for up to 2 months – simply reheat slowly to optimize flavor retention.
FAQs
What can I use instead of red wine? Use an equal amount of beef broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic alternative.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the beef and prep the vegetables as instructed, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
How do I thicken my beef stew? You can add a roux or a slurry made from cornstarch and cold water. Stir it in and simmer until thickened.
Is beef stew better the next day? Many find beef stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend beautifully over time.
What other vegetables can I add to beef stew? Consider adding bell peppers, celery, or mushrooms for an added flavor dimension.
Easy Beef Stew Recipe: Serve & Cherish!
This easy beef stew recipe is more than just warming. It’s a hug in a bowl that you can whip up with ease. We’d love for you to share your experiences, tweaks, and suggestions in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food enthusiasts!
Easy Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- olive oil
- large onion
- garlic
- carrots
- potatoes
- tomato paste
- red wine
- beef broth
- thyme
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare all the ingredients by cutting beef into cubes, dicing onions, mincing garlic, and chopping carrots and potatoes.
- Brown the prepared beef cubes in a large pot with olive oil over medium-high heat, and then set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot until translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot and let it simmer to cook off the alcohol.
- Add tomato paste and beef broth to the pot, stirring well to incorporate.
- Combine beef with vegetables in the pot, season, and let simmer until the beef is tender.