Description
Ultimate Beef Stew with Noodles & Potatoes
Experience the deep, rich flavors of this slow-cooked beef stew, made with tender beef, soft potatoes, and a flavorful broth. Served over warm noodles, this meal is the definition of comfort food!
You’ll Need:
1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
2 tbsp oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large potatoes, cubed
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt & pepper
8 oz cooked noodles
Fresh parsley for garnish
Would you like it spicier? Try adding a pinch of cayenne!
#StewLoverHeaven
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Brown the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with a paper towel. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring a good sear on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Base: Stir in the tomato paste and paprika, cooking for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Slow Cook: Return the browned beef and any juices to the pot. Add the cubed potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
5. Final Assembly: While the stew simmers, cook the noodles according to package directions. To serve, ladle the hot stew over a bed of warm noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad of mixed greens with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a cozy dinner, serve it in a deep bowl with a slice of crusty, buttered bread for dipping. It also makes for excellent leftovers, as the flavors meld and intensify overnight.
How-to Summary
This ultimate beef stew is made by browning beef cubes, sautéing onions and garlic, then simmering everything with potatoes, tomato paste, broth, and seasonings until the meat is tender. Serve the finished stew over cooked egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker? Absolutely. After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. Add cooked noodles just before serving.
What cut of beef is best for stew? Chuck roast is ideal. It has good marbling and connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
Can I add other vegetables? Yes. Carrots, celery, and mushrooms are excellent additions. Add hardy vegetables like carrots at the beginning with the potatoes. Add softer vegetables like peas or mushrooms in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How can I thicken the stew? If you prefer a thicker broth, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
How long will leftovers last? Store cooled stew (without noodles) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. For best texture, store and reheat noodles separately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Browning the Meat: Skipping this step sacrifices deep, caramelized flavor. Take the time to sear the beef in batches without crowding the pot.
- Overcooking the Noodles: Always cook noodles separately and add them just before serving. Adding them to the stew to cook will make them mushy and absorb too much broth.
- Underseasoning: Stews need bold seasoning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end of cooking. The Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste provide umami, but don’t be shy with the salt.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Beef Stew with Noodles & Potatoes is a timeless, satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week. By following the simple steps and tips provided, you can create a restaurant-quality stew with layers of rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. It’s a foolproof recipe that is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home cooking repertoire.
