Get ready to indulge in a classic Beef Stew Recipe that promises to warm your heart and fill your belly. This dish brings together savory beef, wholesome vegetables, and rich broth, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. With tender meat and flavorful spices, this stew is a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Let’s dive into this delightful culinary experience!
Ingredients
– 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 3 potatoes, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Servings and Cooking Time
This Beef Stew Recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 2 hours.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 25g
– Fat: 15g
– Fiber: 4g
This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper and brown them in batches.
3. Remove the beef and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth.
7. Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf.
8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
9. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
10. Adjust seasoning before serving and remove bay leaf.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute beef chuck with lamb or chicken for a different flavor profile. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, and add other vegetables like peas or green beans.
Serving and Pairings
This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not browning the meat properly, which can affect flavor.
- Skipping the sautéing of vegetables, missing out on depth of flavor.
- Using too much liquid, resulting in a watery stew.
- Not allowing enough simmering time for the beef to become tender.
- Neglecting to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate beef overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Use a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking method.
- Thicken the stew with cornstarch if desired.
- Experiment with different herbs for unique flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking.
How can I make my beef stew thicker?
You can thicken the stew by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water or by mashing some of the potatoes in the stew.
Can I cook this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown the beef and sauté the vegetables before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What should I do if my stew is too salty?
If your stew is too salty, adding a peeled potato can help absorb some of the saltiness.
Can I add wine to my beef stew?
Yes, red wine adds great depth to the flavor. Just add it after browning the meat and let it reduce before adding the broth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Beef Stew Recipe is not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying. With its rich flavors and tender meat, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this stew will warm you up on the coldest days. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots sliced
- 3 potatoes diced
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper and brown them in batches.
- Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth.
- Add carrots, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning before serving and remove bay leaf.
