Beef Stew
This beef stew recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings. The tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich red wine sauce create a warm and inviting dish that everyone will love. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it suitable for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this cozy meal that fills the heart and warms the soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of red wine and fresh herbs enhances the beef’s natural taste, creating a deeply satisfying dish.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is simple enough for beginners yet rewarding for experienced cooks.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily modify this beef stew by adding your favorite vegetables or using different cuts of meat.
- One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup while still delivering maximum flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time.
Tools and Preparation
To make this beef stew successfully, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here are some essential items you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven: Perfect for browning meat and slow cooking, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to balancing flavors in your stew.
Ingredients
This beef stew recipe features a wonderful blend of ingredients that create a hearty meal.
Beef and Vegetables
- 2 pounds cubed beef chuck or beef stewing meat
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 sticks celery (chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled & diced)
- 4 medium carrots (peeled & sliced fairly thick)
Liquids and Seasonings
- Flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil + more as needed (divided)
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
Final Touches
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
How to Make Beef Stew
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Begin by prepping all your ingredients. It’s best to peel and cut the potatoes and carrots just before you cook them to keep them fresh.
Step 2: Dredge the Beef
Coat the beef cubes in flour, shaking off any excess flour. This step helps create a nice crust on the meat when searing.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear half of the beef until browned on all sides. Avoid crowding the pot; do this in two batches if necessary. Transfer seared beef to a plate.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
If needed, add another teaspoon of olive oil. Add chopped onions and celery to the pot; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 5: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring often to combine flavors.
Step 6: Add Liquids
Pour in dry red wine, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot; these add flavor.
Step 7: Combine Ingredients
Return the seared beef along with any juices from the plate back into the pot. Add Italian seasoning and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour while stirring occasionally.
Step 8: Add Potatoes and Carrots
After an hour, stir in diced potatoes and sliced carrots. Cover again and continue simmering for another hour until all ingredients are tender.
Step 9: Finish Up
Remove bay leaves from the stew. If using frozen peas, stir them in now, allowing them to warm through.
Step 10: Season and Serve
Taste your stew, adding salt and pepper as needed before serving hot. Enjoy your comforting bowl of beef stew!
How to Serve Beef Stew
Serving beef stew is a delightful experience, as it warms both the body and soul. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: A great choice for dipping into the stew, sourdough’s tangy flavor complements the richness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted with butter and garlic, this bread adds a delicious crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender beef.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy rolls are perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Over Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Serve the beef stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that is truly filling.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad: The crisp greens and creamy dressing provide a refreshing counterpoint to the heaviness of the stew.
- Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens can help cleanse the palate between bites of rich beef stew.
With Rice or Noodles
- Steamed Rice: A simple side that absorbs the flavorful broth beautifully, making each bite satisfying.
- Egg Noodles: These noodles are excellent for soaking up the gravy, offering a delightful texture to your meal.
How to Perfect Beef Stew
Perfecting your beef stew requires attention to detail and a few key techniques. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Choose Quality Meat: Use well-marbled chuck roast for tender pieces that will break down beautifully during cooking.
- Sear Properly: Take your time when browning the beef; this step enhances flavor through caramelization.
- Don’t Skip Deglazing: After searing, deglaze the pot with wine or broth to incorporate those tasty browned bits into your stew.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste your stew throughout cooking and adjust salt and pepper in small increments to avoid overpowering flavors.
- Let it Rest: Allowing your finished stew to sit for a while before serving helps deepen flavors as they meld together.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs at the end of cooking provides brightness and freshness that elevates the overall taste.
Best Side Dishes for Beef Stew
Pairing side dishes with beef stew can enhance your dining experience. Here’s a list of excellent options to consider.
- Buttered Corn: Sweet corn brings a pop of color and sweetness that balances the savory notes of the stew.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add an earthy flavor that complements the richness of beef stew.
- Coleslaw: The crunch and acidity from coleslaw can cut through the richness, providing a pleasant contrast.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with butter or sour cream, making them an ideal companion for beef stew.
- Green Beans Almondine: The nutty flavor of almonds paired with fresh green beans adds texture and elegance to your meal.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers protein and fiber, making it a nutritious option alongside hearty beef stew.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making beef stew can be simple, but some common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are a few to keep in mind.
- Using tough cuts of meat: Always choose beef chuck or stewing meat for tender results. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, which can become dry.
- Skipping the searing step: Searing beef adds flavor through caramelization. Don’t rush—take the time to brown the meat well before adding other ingredients.
- Not stirring enough: To prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, stir your stew occasionally during simmering. This helps to maintain an appropriate temperature.
- Overcrowding the pot: When browning the beef, do it in batches. Crowding will lower the temperature and prevent proper searing.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your stew before serving. It’s essential to adjust salt and pepper as needed for flavor balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover beef stew in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Beef Stew
- Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Beef Stew
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place covered stew in a baking dish until heated through, about 30–40 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and reheat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing beef stew.
What is the best cut of meat for Beef Stew?
The best cut is beef chuck or stewing meat. These cuts become tender as they cook slowly.
Can I make Beef Stew without wine?
Yes, you can substitute wine with additional beef broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity.
How do I thicken my Beef Stew?
You can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the simmering stew.
Can I add other vegetables to my Beef Stew?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or green beans for added flavor and nutrition.
What should I serve with Beef Stew?
Beef stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
This beef stew recipe offers warmth and comfort on chilly days. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Try this cozy dish today—your family will love it!
Beef Stew
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of this classic beef stew recipe, perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings. With tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich red wine sauce alongside hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes, each bite offers a satisfying blend of flavors that will warm your heart and soul. This easy-to-follow recipe is ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs, ensuring you can impress your loved ones with a delicious, homemade meal. The best part? It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze while packing in maximum flavor. Whether you’re serving it over creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread for dipping, this beef stew is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cubed beef chuck
- 1 medium onion
- 3 sticks celery
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4 medium carrots
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 3 cups beef broth
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Herbs
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping vegetables and cubing beef.
- Dredge beef in flour to create a crust when searing.
- In a Dutch oven, sear the beef in olive oil until browned; transfer to a plate.
- Sauté onions and celery in the same pot until softened; add garlic and tomato paste.
- Pour in red wine and scrape the pot to incorporate flavors.
- Return seared beef to the pot, add broth, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and bay leaves.
- Simmer for one hour before adding diced potatoes and sliced carrots; continue simmering for another hour.
- Season to taste and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
