beef stew
Beef stew recipe, packed with vegetables and flavor. A cozy, nourishing one-pot meal, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add potatoes, canned tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 hour and 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is very tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty beef stew!
Notes
Few dishes embody home-style comfort like a classic beef stew. Beloved for its heartiness and adaptable flavors, this one-pot meal is perfect for chilly days, family gatherings, or easy meal prep for busy weeks. Its universality across various cuisines is proof of its versatility—every culture has a version of stewed beef, and each adds its own flair.
Practical Tips for the Perfect Beef Stew
- Choose the right cut: Go for tougher cuts like chuck or shank—while they may seem less appealing raw, they break down beautifully after slow cooking, yielding tender and flavorful meat.
- Brown the meat well: Searing adds a deep, savory flavor. Resist the urge to crowd the pot; brown in batches for best results.
- Deglaze for richer taste: After browning, add a splash of broth or wine to the pot, scraping up browned bits—these add robust flavor to the stew.
- Potato tips: Use waxy potatoes if you prefer them to hold their shape, or starchy potatoes for a stew with a thicker, silkier broth.
- Vegetable creativity: Feel free to swap or add vegetables according to taste—turnips, parsnips, or mushrooms are great autumn choices.
- Flavor finish: Stirring in fresh herbs at the end, like parsley or thyme, brightens the dish and adds a burst of freshness.
Preparation & Serving Suggestions
For an even deeper flavor, prepare your stew a day in advance—overnight in the fridge allows flavors to meld beautifully. When reheating, do so gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed. This beef stew pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the rich broth. For a lighter side, serve with a bright green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. To take it in a Mediterranean direction, add olives or a lemon zest garnish just before serving.Recipe Variations
- Add a spoonful of tomato paste with the aromatics for a tangier, more robust base.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your broth is gluten-free and skip any flour dredging.
- If you’re short on time, a pressure cooker or slow cooker will give you a rich, tender stew with minimal effort.
