Beef stew is a hearty dish made by slow-cooking beef along with vegetables and broth. The meat is typically cut into chunks and browned first to enhance its flavor. Then, it’s simmered with ingredients like carrots, potatoes, onions, and sometimes herbs and spices for several hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and makes the beef tender. It’s a comforting meal, especially great for colder weather!
Here’s a simple beef stew recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup of frozen peas
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, potatoes, carrots, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally until the beef is tender.
- Add Peas (Optional): If using, add the frozen peas in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Enjoy your delicious homemade beef stew! Let me know if you have any questions about the recipe.