Winter’s chill brings a perfect time for a warm beef stew. This recipe is quick and easy, making it great for a cozy meal. It combines tender beef, savory broth, and fresh veggies for a nourishing treat.
My mom’s beef stew was a staple when I was young. Its rich texture and flavors showed her skill in the kitchen. Now, as a busy parent, I make meals that are tasty and simple. This recipe keeps the classic beef stew tradition but is easy to make.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Traditional Beef Stew
Beef stew is a beloved comfort food that has been enjoyed worldwide for generations. It’s a winter dish that’s perfect for cold days. It’s a one-pot meal that’s warm, hearty, and satisfying.
Origins of Hearty Beef Stew
Beef stew has ancient roots. People used to simmer tough meat with veggies and herbs. This made a nourishing, flavorful dish. Over time, different regions developed their versions.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This beef stew recipe is known for its rich flavors and tender meat. It uses high-quality beef and a mix of aromatic veggies and seasonings. This blend gives the savory stew its depth and character.
The recipe also includes savory herbs and seasonings. McCormick Classic Beef Stew Seasoning Mix adds flavor. Enjoy it alone or with rolls and a salad. It’s a family favorite winter dish.
“This beef stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food, with its tender meat, hearty vegetables, and rich, savory broth. It’s a true delight on a cold winter day.”
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Beef Stew Recipe
Making an excellent beef stew needs the right ingredients. At its core, 2 pounds of tender beef chuck is key. It gives the stew a rich, satisfying taste. Alongside, 6 cups of beef broth add a savory flavor.
Vegetables are also important. 1 pound of potatoes, 4 carrots, and 4 celery ribs add nutrition and taste. The stew also gets a boost from 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, thickening it and adding a tomato flavor.
- 2 pounds of beef chuck, trimmed and cubed
- 6 cups of beef broth
- 1 pound of potatoes
- 4 carrots
- 4 ribs of celery
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 3/4 cup of peas
- Flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, olive oil, onion, and optional red wine
- Dried rosemary and cornstarch for thickening
Together, these ingredients make a stew that’s tasty and healthy. It’s a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional for deglazing)
1 pound baby white potatoes, halved or quartered
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch pieces
3 celery ribs, diced
1 large onion, diced
Thickening & Flavoring
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch (for slurry)
3/4 cup peas
Seasoning & Aromatics
2-3 tablespoons flour (for coating beef)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Olive oil as needed for searing
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf (optional)
“The key to a perfect beef stew is in the quality of the ingredients. By using the finest cuts of beef and the freshest vegetables, you can create a dish that is both comforting and truly exceptional.”
Execution
Prepare the Beef Stew Meat
To make the perfect beef stew, start by preparing the beef.
Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps create a nice crust during searing. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then toss in flour to coat each piece evenly.
Sear the Beef for Extra Flavor
Searing the beef adds rich flavor to the stew.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until browned. Transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
Sautéing the vegetables brings depth to the stew’s flavor.
In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their aroma.
Deglaze the Pot with Red Wine
Deglazing with red wine infuses the broth with a rich, deep flavor.
Pour in 1 cup of red wine (optional), and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen the browned bits left from the beef. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly and allowing the alcohol to cook off.
Add Broth and Tomato Paste
The beef broth and tomato paste create a savory stew base.
Next, add 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth and 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the tomato paste, which will thicken the stew slightly and add a hint of acidity.
Return the Beef and Add Potatoes
Adding beef and potatoes turns this stew into a hearty meal.
Return the seared beef to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Then, add the baby white potatoes, which have been cut into halves or quarters. Stir everything together to combine.
Season and Add Aromatics
Herbs and seasonings bring out the beef stew’s best flavors.
Add a pinch of dried rosemary or thyme (or both!) for a fragrant, earthy flavor. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a bay leaf for extra depth. Cover the pot and bring the stew to a gentle simmer.
Simmer Until Tender
Simmering the stew makes the beef tender and flavorful.
Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 60-70 minutes. Check occasionally, stirring gently to prevent sticking. If the meat isn’t tender after an hour, continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Thicken the Stew with Cornstarch Slurry
Cornstarch slurry gives the stew a rich, thick texture.
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the simmering stew and cook for 5 more minutes, allowing it to thicken.
Add Peas and Adjust the Seasoning
Adding peas brings color and a hint of sweetness to the stew.
Stir in 3/4 cup of peas, then taste and adjust seasonings as desired. If the stew is too thick, add a bit more beef broth. Let the stew cook for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat.
Serve the Beef Stew Warm
Serving warm beef stew makes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Once the stew is perfectly thickened and flavorful, ladle it into bowls. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete, hearty meal. Enjoy!
Additional tips
- Use Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: While dried herbs work well, adding a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary in the last 15 minutes of cooking can elevate the stew’s aroma and flavor.
- Experiment with Root Vegetables: Try adding parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes for a unique twist that brings natural sweetness and depth to the stew.
- Adjust the consistency to Your Liking: For a thicker stew, add extra cornstarch slurry. If you prefer a thinner broth, add a bit more beef broth or water as it simmers.
- Add Acid for Balance: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors, balancing the richness of the meat and broth.
- Consider a Low and Slow Cooking Method: If you have time, cook the stew at a low temperature for 2-3 hours for even more tender beef and deeply infused flavors.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: A side of crusty bread is perfect for dipping, helping to soak up every delicious drop of the stew’s flavorful broth.
Preparation and Cooking Techniques
Getting your slow-cooked beef stew right starts with the prep. Coat the beef with flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoned mix helps create a savory crust when seared.
Sear the beef in a large Dutch oven or pot. This step adds a rich, caramelized crust. It brings depth to your dish.
Proper Meat-Searing Tips
When searing beef for your stew, sear in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even browning, not steaming.
Use large chunks of beef instead of cubes. This prevents dryness and keeps the meat tender.
Vegetable Cutting Techniques
Cut vegetables into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. This size helps them soften and release their flavors. It also complements the tender beef.
Good knife skills are key for uniform cuts. This ensures a harmonious mix of textures in your stew.
Creating the Perfect Broth
To make a rich broth, deglaze the pan after searing the beef. Scrape up browned bits and add beef broth and red wine. This step infuses the broth with deep, caramelized flavors.
Simmer the stew for about an hour. This lets the flavors meld and the meat tenderize. If the beef isn’t tender after 60 minutes, simmer for another 15-20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Starting a hearty beef stew recipe is easy. First, brown the floured beef and onions in olive oil. This step makes a tasty base for the stew.
After searing the meat, add beef broth, red wine, and more ingredients. But hold off on adding peas, cornstarch, and water for now.
Let the stew simmer on medium-low heat for about an hour. This time, it helps the flavors mix and the beef to tenderize. Next, make a cornstarch slurry and mix it into the stew to get the right thickness.
Finally, add the peas and let the hearty meal simmer for 5-10 minutes. This makes the stew ready to serve.
This method ensures a balanced, flavorful beef stew. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a comforting, homemade dish. The recipe is simple and works well for both new and seasoned cooks.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining us to make this cozy beef stew recipe! We hope your kitchen was filled with warm, comforting aromas and that your meal brought joy to your table. Beef stew is a classic dish that fits perfectly into any hearty lunch, offering a delicious way to stay nourished and satisfied.
We’d love to hear about your experience! Let us know in the comments how your stew turned out or if you tried any of the variations. Your feedback helps us improve and inspires other readers too.
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