Hearty Homestyle Beef Stew

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Hearty Homestyle Beef Stew is your go-to comfort dish, perfect for chilly nights or when you need a warm, filling meal. Loaded with tender beef and chunky vegetables, it's a classic that never goes out of style.

Ingredients for Hearty Homestyle Beef Stew

Beef chuck roast is the star of the show, offering rich flavor and tenderness after slow cooking. Coating it with all-purpose flour helps thicken the stew, giving it that hearty consistency we love. Olive oil is used for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, adding a subtle richness. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, enhancing the stew's depth of flavor.

Beef broth and water create the savory liquid that slowly breaks down the beef into tender chunks. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and starchiness, absorbing the stew’s flavors as they soften. Peas are added at the end to retain their vibrant color and slight crunch. Finally, dried thyme and dried rosemary bring a hint of earthiness, while salt and pepper round out the seasoning.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you have time, brown the beef in small batches for the best flavor. Overcrowding the pot can lead to steaming instead of browning.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to maintain even heat distribution.
  • For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, try serving it with a simple green salad on the side to balance the hearty flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, it's even better the next day! Just make sure to cool it completely before storing it in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, beef brisket or short ribs can be good alternatives if you can't find chuck roast.

Hearty Homestyle Beef Stew Recipe Walkthrough

Start by tossing your cubed beef chuck roast with flour in a large bowl. This ensures each piece is well-coated, which will help thicken your stew later. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Once hot, add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.

In the same pot, throw in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Return the browned beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth and water. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and let it work its magic for about an hour.

After an hour, add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Give it a good stir, cover again, and let it simmer for another 30 minutes. This will allow the veggies to become tender and soak up the stew's flavors. Finally, stir in the peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer uncovered for a final 10 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, savory flavors that meld beautifully.
  • Easy to prepare with straightforward steps.
  • Perfect for make-ahead meals or batch cooking.
  • Uses simple, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 cups water
3 large carrots, sliced
4 large potatoes, cubed
1 cup peas
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour to coat evenly.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides.
3. Remove the beef and set aside. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
4. Return the beef to the pot, add beef broth and water, and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Add carrots and potatoes, continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
7. Stir in peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

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