This hearty and comforting Homemade Beef Stew is packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly days or a family dinner, this classic dish warms the soul with every bite.
Origin:
Beef stew is a timeless comfort food found across many cultures. This recipe combines simple ingredients and traditional cooking methods for a universally loved dish.
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Stew:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the beef in the mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
3. Build the Stew Base:
- Deglaze the pot with red wine (if using), scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
4. Simmer the Stew:
- Return the seared beef to the pot along with carrots, potatoes, celery, and mushrooms. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
5. Finish the Stew:
- Stir in the frozen peas and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve:
- Remove bay leaves and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread or biscuits for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Use well-marbled beef for a tender stew.
- Searing the beef adds depth to the flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- For a thicker stew, mash a few potato pieces directly into the broth or add a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water.
Recommendations:
- For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with cornstarch and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free.
- Add parsnips, turnips, or green beans for extra vegetables.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate for 6 servings):
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
This Homemade Beef Stew is a cozy, wholesome dish perfect for savoring with family and friends. Enjoy a bowl of this classic comfort food today!
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