Homemade Beef Stew

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!

  • Strawberry Pound Cake
    Strawberry Pound Cake There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic pound cake, and when you add the luscious sweetness of fresh strawberries, it … Read more
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake
    Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake is the kind of dessert that instantly feels special. It is rich, dense, buttery, and … Read more
  • Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake
    Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake – A Sweet Classic with a Fruity Twist There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade … Read more
  • Mexican Restaurant-Style Cheese Dip
    Mexican Restaurant-Style Cheese Dip There’s something irresistible about warm, creamy cheese dip served at your favorite Mexican restaurant. That first scoop with a … Read more
  • Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
    Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole – A Comfort Food Classic When it comes to hearty, family-friendly … Read more
  • Chile Verde Sopita
    Chile Verde Sopita Chile Verde Sopita Warm, comforting, and full of bold yet cozy flavors, Chile Verde Sopita is the kind of recipe … Read more
  • Classic Southern Banana Pudding
    Classic Southern Banana Pudding If there’s one dessert that instantly brings comfort and nostalgia, it’s Classic Southern Banana Pudding. With layers of creamy … Read more
  • Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole
    Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole: A Comforting Tex-Mex Bake When it comes to cozy, flavorful, and fuss-free meals, nothing quite hits the spot … Read more
  • Jalapeño Butter Bath Corn On The Cob
    Jalapeño Butter Bath Corn On The Cob — Full Recipe Article Introduction There are few summer sides as universally loved as corn on … Read more
  • Walking Taco Casserole
    Walking Taco Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe If you’re looking for a dish that combines the fun of tacos with the hearty … Read more
  • Pecan Pie Upside-Down Cake
    Pecan Pie Upside-Down Cake If there’s one dessert that screams cozy comfort and holiday indulgence, it’s the Pecan Pie Upside-Down Cake. This cake … Read more
  • No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake
    No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake — The Ultimate Guide Introduction to No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake There’s something uniquely satisfying about a dessert that delivers maximum flavor … Read more
  • Homemade Banana Pudding
    Homemade Banana Pudding A creamy, nostalgic dessert loved in every household, Homemade Banana Pudding is the kind of recipe that never goes out … Read more
  • GREEN CHILE CHEESE DIP
    GREEN CHILE CHEESE DIP Introduction If you’ve been looking for a warm, creamy, flavor-packed appetizer that steals the show every single time, then … Read more
  • Slow-Cook Sweetness
    Slow-Cook Sweetness: Indulgent Turkey Bacon & Beef Delights Introduction — Welcome to the World of Slow-Cook Sweetness: Indulgent Turkey Bacon & Beef Delights … Read more

Leave a Comment