why make this recipe
Beef stew is a warm and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. It brings together hearty ingredients like tender beef, potatoes, and vegetables, all simmered in a savory broth. This dish is not only tasty but also filling and nutritious. Making beef stew allows you to enjoy a home-cooked meal that can feed a family or provide leftovers for later.
how to make Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- beef chuck
- potatoes
- carrots
- onions
- celery
- garlic
- beef broth
- red wine
- bay leaves
- thyme
- salt
- pepper
- olive oil
Directions:
- Cut the beef into cubes and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef on all sides, then remove from the pot.
- Add chopped onions, celery, and carrots to the pot and sauté until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits.
- Return the beef to the pot, add potatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
how to serve Beef Stew
Serve beef stew hot in a bowl. It pairs nicely with crusty bread or a simple green salad. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor and color.
how to store Beef Stew
To store leftover beef stew, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze beef stew for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Beef Stew
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the beef in red wine for a few hours before cooking.
- Use a sturdy pot or a Dutch oven for even cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or bell peppers for variety.
- If you want a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a little cornstarch mixed with water.
variation
You can make a lighter version of beef stew by using chicken or turkey instead of beef. For a different flavor, try adding Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar.
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best texture.
How do I know when the stew is done?
The stew is done when the beef is tender and easily breaks apart with a fork.
Can I make beef stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just follow the same steps for browning the beef and vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Beef Stew
A warm and comforting beef stew, perfect for chilly days with tender beef, potatoes, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cut the beef into cubes and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Brown the beef on all sides, then remove from the pot.
- Add chopped onions, celery, and carrots to the pot and sauté until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits.
- Return the beef to the pot, add potatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 90-120 minutes until the beef is tender.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Pairs nicely with crusty bread or a simple green salad. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
