Description
Beef Stew with Potatoes
Ingredients:
500g beef chunks
4 medium potatoes, quartered
2 carrots, sliced
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear beef chunks until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add carrots and sauté for another 3 minutes.
3. Build the Stew:
Stir in tomato paste, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add beef chunks back to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer:
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Potatoes:
Add potatoes to the stew and continue cooking for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
6. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
For a foolproof stew, follow these detailed steps. First, ensure your beef chunks are patted completely dry with paper towels before searing; this is crucial for a good brown crust. Heat the oil until it shimmers. Sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, which steams the meat. After removing the beef, if the bottom of the pot has dark bits, add a splash of broth to deglaze, scraping up that flavorful fond before adding the onions and garlic. When building the stew, let the tomato paste cook for a full minute with the spices to deepen its flavor. During the simmering stage, maintain a gentle bubble; a rapid boil will make the beef tough. Test potato doneness with a fork.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew is a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve it in a deep bowl with a thick slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll for dipping. For a lighter option, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Spooning it over a bed of buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes makes it even more comforting. A sprinkle of gremolata (lemon zest, garlic, and parsley) can be a vibrant alternative garnish to plain parsley.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Dry and sear beef in batches. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots. Deglaze the pot. Add tomato paste, spices, seared beef, and broth. Simmer covered for 1 hour. Add potatoes and simmer for 30 more minutes. Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker? Absolutely. After searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, adding the potatoes in the last 2 hours on low or 1 hour on high.
What cut of beef is best? Chuck roast or stewing beef are ideal. They have marbling and connective tissue that breaks down during long cooking, becoming incredibly tender.
How can I thicken the stew? If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the simmering stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this stew freezes excellently. Cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
My potatoes are mushy. What happened? You likely added them too early or cooked them at too high a simmer. Ensure you add them only in the final 30 minutes and maintain a low, gentle simmer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Searing wet beef: This prevents browning and creates steam.
- Crowding the pot while searing: This lowers the pan temperature and leads to gray, boiled meat.
- Adding potatoes too early: They will overcook and disintegrate into the broth.
- Boiling instead of simmering: A rolling boil will toughen the beef and evaporate your broth too quickly.
- Underseasoning: Season in layers—when searing the beef, when sautéing vegetables, and again before the long simmer.
Conclusion
This classic beef stew is the epitome of comfort food, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, savory broth every time. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, and it tastes even better the next day. We hope this enhanced guide helps you master this timeless dish.