There’s nothing quite like a homestyle beef stew to bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table. This savory beef stew recipe, rich with tender meat and hearty vegetables, simmers to perfection and fills your home with an inviting aroma. Whether you’re gathering with family or meal-prepping for the week, this classic dish promises satisfaction in every spoonful.

Beef Stew Recipe

Selecting Your Ingredients For

The success of your beef stew hinges on the quality of ingredients you choose. You’ll need:

• 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Building Flavors: Browning the Beef 

The first step in your beef stew is to create a deep, rich flavor base. Toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and brown the beef on all sides. Do this in batches to ensure each piece caramelizes properly, as crowding the pan will steam the meat instead of searing it.

After browning the meat, set it aside and add the chopped onions to the pot. Cook until translucent, then add the garlic, cooking for another minute. Deglaze the pot with a splash of the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits are flavor gold for your stew.

Layering the Ingredients

Return the beef to the pot and stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Pour in the rest of the beef broth. The herbs and tomato paste will provide a complex background to the stew, while the Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy depth.

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 1.5 hours. It’s during this slow cooking process that the beef becomes fork-tender, and the broth develops its full-bodied flavor.

Adding the Vegetables

After the stew has simmered, add the carrots and potatoes. These root vegetables will absorb the flavors of the broth and become tender without disintegrating. Continue to simmer the stew until the vegetables are soft, which should take about 30 minutes.

The Final Touch: Peas and Seasoning

Add the frozen peas in the last 5 minutes of cooking. They’ll retain their bright color and slight crunch, offering a fresh contrast to the richness of the stew. Finish by adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal

Beef stew is traditionally served with crusty bread, which is perfect for sopping up the delicious juices. For a healthier option, pair it with a side salad or steamed green vegetables.

Storing and Reheating

Beef stew is one of those rare dishes that can taste even better the next day. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot.

Nutrition and Dietary Adjustments

This beef stew is packed with protein and vital nutrients from the vegetables. To make it even healthier, you can use a leaner cut of beef and increase the number of vegetables. For a gluten-free version, thicken the stew with cornstarch instead of flour.

Conclusion: A Dish Worth the Wait

This beef stew recipe requires patience, but the result is a comforting dish that’s both nourishing and fulfilling. It’s a recipe that can be passed down through generations, a testament to the simple pleasure of homestyle cooking.

Call to Action:

Ready to take on the challenge of making this delectable beef stew? Gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and prepare for a culinary adventure that ends with a delicious reward. Share your experience and your meal with friends and family, and don’t forget to tag your stew creations with #BeefStewPerfection. Bon appétit!

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