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beef stew

beef stew

Beef stew brings warmth and flavor. Healthy, hearty and easy, perfect for a comforting homemade meal. Try it!
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Total Time 2 hours 1 minute
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg beef chuck, cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 unit carrots, sliced
  • 3 unit potatoes, cubed
  • 2 unit celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 liter beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 unit bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Method
 

  1. Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper.
  2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes for richer flavor.
  5. Return the beef to the pot. Pour in red wine (if using) to deglaze, scraping up any brown bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the beef broth, thyme, paprika, and bay leaves. Stir well.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer gently for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir, cover, and let cook for another 45 minutes, or until vegetables and beef are very tender.
  8. Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves.
  9. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your beef stew hot!

Notes

Beef stew is a classic comfort dish beloved for its hearty flavors and incredible versatility. Whether you’re preparing it for a cold winter evening or as a nourishing family dinner, this recipe never fails to warm the soul. One of the greatest things about beef stew is its adaptability—you can tweak the vegetables or even the spices to fit your preference or what you have on hand.

Practical Tips for Perfect Stew

To achieve ultra-tender beef, use cuts like chuck or brisket, and don’t rush the cooking time—a slow simmer brings out both flavor and texture. Browning the beef in batches ensures a rich, deep taste; avoid overcrowding, or the meat will steam instead of sear. For maximum flavor, scrape the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot when adding liquids.
If you’re short on red wine, you can substitute it with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a subtle tang. Prefer more veggies? Toss in mushrooms, parsnips, or peas during the final simmer. To thicken the stew, mash a few potatoes directly in the pot or stir in a spoonful of flour after browning the meat.

Preparation and Serving Suggestions

Consider preparing your ingredients ahead of time—chopping, measuring, and portioning before you start cooking keeps the process stress-free and enjoyable. Stirring occasionally, especially at the bottom, prevents sticking and uneven cooking.
Beef stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice. For a fresh touch, serve with a simple green salad on the side. If you enjoy bold flavors, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika just before serving.
Finally, this dish only gets better with time—a night in the fridge allows flavors to marry, making leftovers even more delicious. Experiment, enjoy, and make this stew your own family classic!