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Beef Stew is a classic comfort food that warms the heart and fills the stomach. This hearty dish is perfect for cold nights and family gatherings. With tender chunks of beef and a variety of vegetables, it’s a meal that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make beef stew. First, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require fancy cooking skills. Second, it’s great for meal prep; you can make a big batch and enjoy it over several days. Lastly, it’s customizable—you can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you prefer extra vegetables or want to try different seasonings, beef stew can be your canvas.
How to Make Beef Stew
Making beef stew is simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can swap with extra beef broth and a few drops of apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides.
- Remove beef and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Stir in carrots and potatoes, cooking for a few minutes.
- Add the beef back to the pot along with beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Beef Stew
Serve beef stew hot in bowls. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread for dipping. It also goes well with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Beef Stew
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze beef stew for up to three months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips to Make Beef Stew
- For extra flavor, let the beef stew simmer longer if you have the time. The flavors will deepen.
- If you want a thicker stew, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) towards the end of cooking.
- Feel free to add or swap different vegetables, such as peas or green beans, based on your taste.
Variation
You can customize this beef stew by adding different herbs or spices. If you want a healthier option, substitute carrots and potatoes with sweet potatoes or parsnips. For a smoky flavor, add some smoked paprika.
FAQs
1. Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
2. What if I don’t have red wine?
If you want to avoid red wine, simply replace it with additional beef broth and a few drops of apple cider vinegar for some acidity.
3. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like beef shank or round, but chuck tends to be the most flavorful and tender for stews.
Beef Stew
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A classic comfort food that’s hearty and perfect for cold nights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides.
- Remove beef and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Stir in carrots and potatoes, cooking for a few minutes.
- Add the beef back to the pot along with beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is tender.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a thicker stew, consider adding a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: beef stew, comfort food, hearty meal, family recipe