Description
Classic Beef Stew
Ingredients
1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into chunks
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
Prep the Beef:
Toss beef chunks with flour, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
Sear the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
Build the Base:
Stir in tomato paste, then add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
Add Veggies and Seasoning:
Return beef to the pot. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well.
Simmer to Perfection:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove bay leaf. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof stew. First, ensure your beef chunks are patted dry before tossing with flour; this helps achieve a superior sear. When searing, avoid crowding the pot—browning in batches is non-negotiable for developing flavor. After removing the beef, if the pot bottom has very dark bits, deglaze with a splash of broth before adding onions to prevent burning. When simmering, maintain the lowest possible heat for a gentle bubble; a rapid boil will make the beef tough. Check for doneness at 1.5 hours; the beef should be fork-tender.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping, fluffy mashed potatoes, or simple buttered egg noodles. For a fresh contrast, serve with a side salad of bitter greens like arugula with a lemon vinaigrette. Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How-to Summary
In summary: coat and sear beef until browned. Sauté onions and garlic. Add tomato paste, tomatoes, broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Return beef to the pot with all remaining vegetables and thyme. Simmer covered on low heat for 1.5-2 hours until tender. Discard the bay leaf, garnish, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker? Absolutely. After searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
What cut of beef is best for stew? Chuck roast is ideal. It’s well-marbled with fat, which breaks down during long cooking, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
How can I thicken the stew if it’s too thin? Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering stew and cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
Can I add other vegetables? Yes. Mushrooms, parsnips, or peas (added in the last 10 minutes) are excellent additions. Adjust cooking times for hearty vs. delicate veggies.
Why is my beef still tough? The stew likely wasn’t simmered long enough. Tough cuts require time to break down. Continue cooking on low heat until the meat easily shreds with a fork.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Sear: This step builds foundational flavor. Don’t rush it.
- Overcrowding the Pot: Crowding steams the meat instead of browning it, leading to less flavor.
- Using Boiling Liquid: Always add cold or room-temperature broth to your hot pot to prevent the flour from clumping.
- Stirring Too Frequently: Once simmering, limit stirring to prevent vegetables from breaking down too much.
- Adding Delicate Herbs Early: Add fresh herbs like parsley only at the end. Adding them early diminishes their flavor.
Conclusion
This classic beef stew is the epitome of comfort food, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal. Mastering the techniques of proper searing and patient simmering is key to its success. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a stew that is both nourishing and impressive, perfect for any cozy gathering or weeknight dinner. Enjoy the rich, hearty results of your culinary effort.