Homemade Beef Stew

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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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