A hearty and flavorful Beef Stew is the perfect dish for cold weather or when you’re craving a comforting, satisfying meal. Here’s a recipe for the Best Ever Beef Stew that’s packed with tender beef, rich broth, and hearty vegetables.
Best Ever Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt (or more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or more to taste)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Directions:
1. Brown the Beef:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches (to avoid overcrowding), add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5-6 minutes per batch.
- Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
- Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and develop deeper flavors.
- Add the browned beef back into the pot, then pour in the beef broth and water. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Simmer the Stew:
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef becomes tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Add the Vegetables:
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Stir to combine and continue simmering for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the vegetables are tender.
6. Optional: Thicken the Stew:
- If you like your stew thicker, you can make a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir until smooth, then add it to the stew, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to thicken up.
7. Add Peas (optional):
- About 5 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas and stir them into the stew. Let them heat through.
8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with some crusty bread or biscuits!
Optional Add-ins/Variations:
- Mushrooms: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic for extra richness and umami flavor.
- Red Wine: For added depth, you can deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup of red wine before adding the broth.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be sprinkled on top before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Parsnips: Swap some of the carrots for parsnips for a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor.
This Best Ever Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It’s perfect for a cozy meal, and leftovers taste even better the next day! Would you add any personal twists, like a splash of wine or extra herbs, or keep it classic?