Hearty Heritage Beef Stew

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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Hearty Heritage Beef Stew is the perfect comfort food to warm your soul during those chilly evenings. Packed with tender beef and flavorful vegetables, it's a classic dish with a rich, savory broth that brings everyone to the table. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients for Hearty Heritage Beef Stew

Beef chuck is ideal for stews due to its marbling, which breaks down beautifully into tender, juicy bites. All-purpose flour helps to create a lovely crust on the beef and thickens the stew. Vegetable oil is used for browning the beef, adding a rich flavor. Beef broth provides a deep, meaty base for the stew, while red wine adds an extra layer of complexity and depth. Carrots and potatoes bring sweetness and heartiness, making the stew a complete meal. Onions and garlic form the aromatic base, while tomato paste contributes a concentrated umami flavor. Finally, dried thyme and a bay leaf infuse the stew with a subtle herbal aroma.

Tips & Tricks

  • Brown the beef in small batches to ensure a good sear without steaming.
  • Deglaze the pot thoroughly to capture all the flavors stuck to the bottom.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking and to prevent burning.
  • Let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is a hearty dish on its own, but you can serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the stew. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a nice touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can substitute with any stew-friendly cut like short ribs or brisket.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and saute the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What if I don't have red wine?
You can replace it with extra beef broth or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

Hearty Heritage Beef Stew Recipe Walkthrough

Start by seasoning the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then give them a light dusting with flour. This not only adds flavor but helps thicken the stew later. Heat some vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get a nice sear on the beef. Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

In the same pot, add your onions and garlic. Saute them until they're soft and fragrant, which should take a few minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir it into the onions and garlic, letting it caramelize a little. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot. This means scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom — they're pure flavor gold.

Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1.5 hours. This is when the magic happens — the beef becomes tender, and the flavors meld beautifully.

After 1.5 hours, add the carrots and potatoes. Continue simmering until the vegetables are tender, roughly 30 more minutes. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
  • Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
  • Rich, comforting taste that feels like a warm hug.
  • Customizable to your preferred level of heartiness.
  • Uses one pot, making clean-up a breeze.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper, then dust with flour.
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches.
3. Remove beef and set aside. In the same pot, add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
4. Stir in tomato paste, then add red wine and deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Return beef to the pot and add broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours.
7. Add carrots and potatoes, continue simmering until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
8. Adjust seasoning as needed and remove bay leaf before serving.

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