There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of homemade beef stew. Whether it’s on a chilly day or you’re simply in the mood for something hearty and satisfying, beef stew is the go-to dish that offers rich flavors, tender beef, and delightful vegetables simmered to perfection. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious masterpiece at home.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that blend beautifully to create a hearty, wholesome stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup peas (optional)
Equipments
To make a perfect beef stew, you’ll need these kitchen tools:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
How to Make Homemade Beef Stew – Step By Step
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides. This step is crucial as it locks in the flavor and ensures the beef stays juicy during the slow cooking process. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onions. Sauté them until they’re tender and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Aromatics are the building blocks of flavor for this stew, so take your time here.
Step 3: Building the Broth
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it briefly until it turns a dark, rich red. This enhances the natural sugars in the paste, adding depth to the broth. Pour in the beef broth, then integrate thyme and rosemary. This is when the stew begins to take form, with the herbs adding a subtle, earthy aroma.
Step 4: Simmering the Stew
Add the beef back into the pot, along with the carrots, potatoes, and peas. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 80–90 minutes. You’ll want to cook it until the beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Slow simmering melds the flavors together, yielding a stew that’s rich and hearty.
Step 5: Thickening the Stew
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, scoop out a ladle of hot broth into a separate bowl and mix it with the flour until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the pot to thicken the stew until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick.
How to Serve Homemade Beef Stew
Serve your beef stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme. Pair it with warm crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, you might want to serve it alongside a light green salad.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
The secret to a successful beef stew lies in patience. Browning the meat properly and letting the stew simmer slowly are key. Adjust seasonings towards the end of cooking to ensure balanced flavors. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like celery or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
Pumped-Up Protein: The Beef Stew Reimagined
Looking to maximize your protein intake? Swap in some higher-protein ingredients without losing the classic beef stew charm. Consider adding chunks of leaner cuts like sirloin or supplementing with beans. This keeps the heartiness intact while boosting nutritional value.
Another approach is to serve your stew over a base of quinoa or lentils, both excellent sources of protein. If you’re on a high-protein diet, this rendition ensures you enjoy a satisfying meal while meeting your dietary goals.
Lowering the Carbs but Not the Taste
If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, this stew can easily be tweaked. Replace the potatoes with turnips or cauliflower florets. These substitutes keep that beloved chunky texture while reducing carbs significantly.
Additionally, omit the flour and consider using a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum. This keeps the consistency without altering the flavors that make beef stew a family favorite.
Storage Instructions
Allow any leftover stew to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, beef stew freezes exceptionally well. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, and warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
- Can I use other cuts of beef for stew? Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or shoulder, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.
- How can I make my stew thicker? You can add a slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with water, or use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes and thicken naturally.
- What can I serve with beef stew? Aside from bread, try serving it with polenta, rice, or a side of sautéed greens.
- Is beef stew suitable for meal prep? Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day and holds up well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Takeaway and Final Thoughts
Homemade beef stew is more than a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re crafting the classic version, the high-protein variant, or a low-carb delight, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds. Enjoy this recipe, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones. If you have your twist or a story about your first beef stew, leave a comment below!
Homemade Beef Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef chuck
- olive oil
- beef broth
- large carrots
- potatoes
- onion
- garlic
- tomato paste
- thyme
- rosemary
- salt and pepper
- flour
- peas
Instructions
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides and remove them from the pot.
- In the same pot, add onions and sauté until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add tomato paste and cook briefly. Pour in beef broth and add thyme and rosemary.
- Return beef to the pot and add carrots, potatoes, and peas. Simmer until beef is tender.
- Thicken the stew with a flour mixture, stirring until desired consistency is reached.