Here’s how to make a Beef Stew with White Wine:
Beef Stew with White Wine Recipe
Ingredients:
-
2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, trimmed and cut into bite-sized cubes)
-
2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the meat)
-
1 large onion, chopped
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
-
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional, you can also use parsnips or sweet potatoes)
-
2 tablespoons tomato paste
-
1 1/2 cups dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
-
3 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
-
2 bay leaves
-
1 teaspoon dried thyme
-
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
-
1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, for added color and sweetness)
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
-
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
-
Add the beef stew meat in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot) and sear it on all sides until it’s browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
-
Once browned, remove the beef from the pot 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 sauté until softened and golden, about 5 minutes.
-
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
-
Add the carrots and potatoes (if using), and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Wine:
-
Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for about 1 minute to enhance its flavor.
-
Pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This will add rich flavor to the stew.
-
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings:
-
Return the seared beef to the pot.
-
Add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
-
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined. Stir occasionally.
5. Optional Thickening (if desired):
-
If you prefer a thicker stew, in a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry.
-
Stir the slurry into the stew and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the stew thickens up.
6. Add the Peas (Optional):
-
About 5 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas for a burst of color and sweetness.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
-
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or fresh herbs as needed.
-
Remove the bay leaves before serving.
8. Serve:
-
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
-
Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over rice to soak up all the delicious broth.
Tips:
-
Beef Choice: Chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking. If you’re using another cut, make sure it’s suitable for braising.
-
Wine: Choose a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking. Avoid overly sweet wines, as they can alter the flavor of the stew.
-
Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this stew in a slow cooker. After searing the meat and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
-
Wine Alternatives: If you don’t want to use wine, you can substitute it with extra beef broth, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich.
Serving Suggestions:
-
This Beef Stew with White Wine pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, buttered biscuits, or a side of steamed vegetables.
-
For a heartier meal, serve it over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
This Beef Stew with White Wine recipe brings together tender beef, earthy vegetables, and a rich broth infused with wine, making it the perfect cozy dish for a fall or winter meal. The white wine gives it a sophisticated edge while still feeling like the ultimate comfort food.
Are you thinking of making this stew for a family dinner or just craving something comforting for yourself?