Classic Beef Stew

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Classic Beef Stew is the ultimate comfort food, especially when the weather turns chilly. This hearty dish is loaded with tender beef and plenty of vegetables, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Plus, the rich, savory flavors are sure to make it a favorite in your home.

Ingredients for Classic Beef Stew

Beef chuck is ideal for stews due to its marbling, which breaks down beautifully over low, slow cooking. All-purpose flour helps thicken the stew and adds a lovely crust to the beef when browned. Olive oil is the perfect choice for browning, lending a subtle flavor without overpowering the dish.

Beef broth provides a rich, savory base that complements the meat. Red wine adds depth and enhances the beef's natural flavors. Tomato paste contributes a touch of acidity and richness.

Garlic and onion are essential aromatics, creating a flavorful foundation. Carrots and potatoes not only add texture but also soak up all the delicious juices. Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy, umami kick, while dried thyme and a bay leaf infuse the stew with herbal notes.

Finally, fresh parsley is sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the beef cubes in red wine overnight.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to maintain even heat.
  • Let the stew sit overnight in the fridge; the flavors only get better!
  • If you don’t have red wine, use an equal amount of extra beef broth.

Serving Suggestions

This beef stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread — perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad also complements the rich flavors beautifully. Try serving it with a glass of the same red wine you used in the stew for a complete flavor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze beef stew?
Yes, beef stew freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute it with soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar effect.
How can I thicken the stew if it's too thin?
Mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew, allowing it to simmer until thickened.

Classic Beef Stew Recipe Walkthrough

Start by tossing your beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. You want each piece to be well-coated, as this will help thicken your stew and add flavor. Heat up your olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Once browned, set the beef aside.

In the same pot, toss in the onion and garlic. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for just a minute. This helps to deepen its flavor. Pour in the red wine and scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. This deglazing step adds incredible flavor.

Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and the bay leaf. Bring it to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about an hour and a half. This is where the magic happens — the beef starts to tenderize and the flavors meld together.

When the time is up, add the carrots and potatoes. Cook for another 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Once done, remove the bay leaf, season with more salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and satisfying: Perfect for a filling meal.
  • Rich flavors: The combination of beef, wine, and herbs creates an irresistible aroma and taste.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better.
  • One-pot wonder: Less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
4 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, toss beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, setting aside once browned.
3. In the same pot, add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute before adding red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Return beef to the pot and add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf.
6. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours.
7. Add carrots and potatoes, cooking for an additional 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
8. Remove bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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