- Hearty Beef Stew

$To make a great beef stew, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, diced - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 4 medium carrots, sliced - 3 stalks celery, diced - 4 medium potatoes, cubed - 4 cups beef broth - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 2 teaspoons dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste Each of these ingredients adds to the stew's rich flavor and texture. The beef chuck gives you nice, tender pieces. The vegetables add color and sweetness. Seasoning is vital for a tasty stew. Here are my top picks: - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 2 teaspoons dried rosemary - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste These herbs bring warmth and depth. Thyme and rosemary pair well with beef. They create a comforting taste. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. A beautiful stew deserves a nice finish. Here are some garnishes you can use: - Fresh parsley, chopped Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also use crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping in the stew. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Start by gathering your ingredients. You want fresh beef and veggies. Cut the beef chuck into 1-inch cubes. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the carrots. Dice the celery and cube the potatoes. Having everything ready makes cooking easier. Browning the beef is key for flavor. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches. Don't crowd the pot. Brown each piece on all sides. This takes about 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside. This step gives your stew a deep, rich taste. Next, add the onions to the same pot. Sauté until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Then, toss in the carrots and celery. Stir and cook for 5 minutes. This softens the veggies. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the cubed potatoes too. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to blend. Stir occasionally and add broth if needed. When done, remove the bay leaf. Your hearty beef stew is now ready! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. To get tender beef, start with good cuts. I love using beef chuck. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. Make sure to brown the beef well. This step adds flavor. Cook it in batches to avoid steaming. Let it rest after browning. This helps keep the juices inside. To thicken your stew, use a few methods. One way is to mash some potatoes in the pot. They break down and add creaminess. You can also add a cornstarch slurry. Mix cornstarch with cold water, then stir it in. Let the stew cook a bit longer. It will thicken nicely. For a flavor boost, consider adding red wine. It deepens the taste and adds richness. You can also try fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce gives it a savory kick. Don’t forget to adjust seasoning. Taste as you go to find the right balance. For the full recipe, check the link provided. {{image_2}} You can swap beef for other meats if you want. Try pork or lamb for a new flavor. Chicken works well too, but it cooks faster. Adjust the cooking time to keep it juicy. Use the same steps as the beef stew. For a meat-free stew, use hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant. These add great texture and flavor. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for protein. Replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a rich taste. Add beans for extra nutrition. Explore global flavors by adding spices. Try paprika for a smoky touch, or cumin for warmth. You can make a French-style stew with red wine and herbs. For an Irish twist, add stout beer and serve with soda bread. Each change gives a new spin on the classic dish. For more details on making this stew, check the Full Recipe. Store your hearty beef stew in airtight containers. Let it cool to room temperature first. Then, cover tightly and place it in the fridge. It stays good for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, use a pot on the stove. This helps keep the stew moist and tasty. Add a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick. Stir often on low heat until hot. You can also use a microwave, but the stove method is best for flavor. To freeze your beef stew, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the stew expands when frozen. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned before. Enjoy your comforting stew anytime! You can check if the beef is tender by using a fork. If the beef pulls apart easily, it is done. Another way is to cook it low and slow. This method helps break down tough fibers. Aim for a cooking time of about 1.5 to 2 hours. You want the beef to be soft and juicy. Taste testing is also a good method. If it melts in your mouth, you got it right! Yes, you can make Hearty Beef Stew in a slow cooker. Start by browning the beef as in the full recipe. After you brown the beef, add it to the slow cooker. Then, add all the chopped veggies and seasonings. Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. This slow method brings out rich flavors. Your stew will be warm and comforting. Several side dishes go well with beef stew. You might try crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad adds freshness to the meal. Mashed potatoes also work great as a side. They soak up the stew’s savory sauce. Steamed veggies like green beans or peas are nice too. They add color and nutrition to your plate. Enjoy mixing and matching these sides! To make a great Hearty Beef Stew, we covered key ingredients, steps, and tips. You learned how to prepare beef and veggies, brown the meat, and simmer flavors. We explored ways to boost taste and discussed tasty variations. Proper storage and reheating can keep your stew fresh. Remember, a good stew comes from quality ingredients and patience. Enjoy making your next batch! It will warm your heart and your stomach.$

Warm up with this hearty beef stew that's perfect for cozy dinners! Packed with tender beef, fresh veggies, and rich flavors, this easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create a comforting dish that simmers to perfection.

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Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 medium carrots, sliced

3 stalks celery, diced

4 medium potatoes, cubed

4 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 teaspoons dried thyme

2 teaspoons dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the sliced carrots and diced celery, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Return the browned beef to the pot and stir in the cubed potatoes.

Pour in the beef broth and stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed.

Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 6