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I’m excited to share my favorite beef stew recipe with you. It’s the perfect comfort food for cold nights. Imagine tender meat in a rich gravy, with colorful veggies around it. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
It’s easy to make, whether you use a slow cooker or a Dutch oven. As it cooks, tough cuts become tender. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the tasty gravy. Let’s enjoy this cozy, loved-by-all meal!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy beef stew has become a favorite in my home. It’s perfect for cozy nights because of its rich broth and tender veggies.
- Simple preparation: This recipe is easy to make. Just add the ingredients and let it simmer.
- Flavor-packed: The long cooking time makes the flavors blend well, creating a rich taste.
- Versatile: You can change the ingredients based on what you have.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch for leftovers all week.
- Complete meal: It has protein, veggies, and starch, making it a balanced dinner.
The beef gets tender and soaks up the broth’s flavors. The veggies cook just right, making every bite tasty.
This stew reminds me of cozy family dinners from my childhood. It’s the best comfort food.
This stew is great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. The smell of it cooking is amazing!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love making beef stew with different ingredients. I start with 2-3 pounds of chuck roast. This meat gets tender and tasty when slow-cooked.
I coat the meat in flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, I brown it in olive oil.
Root veggies make the stew special. I use potatoes, carrots, and celery. You can add parsnips or turnips for something different.
For the liquid, I mix beef broth and red wine. The wine makes the stew richer. If you don’t like wine, use more broth instead.
- 2-3 pounds chuck roast
- Flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Onions
- Beef broth
- Red wine (optional)
- Potatoes, carrots, celery
- Tomato paste
- Rosemary
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
- Peas (added at the end)
Feel free to try new things! Add mushrooms for a unique taste or use beef stock instead of broth. Make the stew your own.
Instructions
I’m excited to share my method for making beef stew. The key to a delicious stew is searing meat well and slow cooking. Let’s get started!
First, I trim and cube the beef. Then, I season it and coat with flour. In a hot Dutch oven, I brown the meat in batches. This step is very important for rich flavors.
Next, I add onions and garlic to the pot. A splash of balsamic vinegar helps loosen flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. I mix all ingredients together, except for peas, and let it cook slowly.
- Place the pot in the oven for 2-3 hours
- Add potatoes and carrots halfway through
- Thicken the stew with a cornstarch slurry if needed
- Toss in peas during the last few minutes
The stew is done when the meat is tender and veggies are cooked. Thickening the stew is optional but makes it heartier. Remember, patience is key when making beef stew. Slow cooking lets flavors blend perfectly.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I have some awesome beef stew tips to make your dish better. Always use well-marbled chuck roast for the best taste. It’s way better than store-bought “stew meat.” Make sure to sear the meat well for that deep flavor we love.
Want to thicken your stew? Try making a cornstarch slurry or mash some cooked veggies. It really helps!
Storing beef stew is easy. Just put leftovers in the fridge and they’ll last 3-4 days. If you need to keep it longer, freezing is best. It stays good for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When reheating stew, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. A cool fact: stew tastes better after a day or two. This makes it great for meal prep!
- Use chuck roast for best flavor
- Sear meat properly
- Thicken with cornstarch or mashed veggies
- Store in fridge for 3-4 days
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat after thawing overnight
With these tips, your beef stew will always be a hit. Enjoy cooking!
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
I love trying new things with beef stew. Add parsnips or turnips for a special taste. Use Guinness beer for a richer flavor instead of wine. Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves can make your stew even better.
When I serve beef stew, I like it with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls. These are great for dipping in the gravy. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
To make the meal complete, I add a simple green salad or steamed veggies. This adds color and balances the rich stew. With these ideas, you’ll have a meal that everyone will love.