A hearty and comforting beef stew, perfect for cold days. This recipe combines tender beef, savory vegetables, and rich flavors for a dish that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour in the red wine (or extra beef broth) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Build the Stew:
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms to the pot.
- Continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Thicken the Stew (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the flour with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the stew and simmer for an additional 10 minutes until thickened.
- Finish the Stew:
- Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve:
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your Best Ever Beef Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal!
