Beef Stew
This hearty beef stew is the ultimate comfort food! It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for cozy nights in. Made with tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, this dish celebrates the beauty of slow cooking. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro in the kitchen, this recipe will have you feeling like a culinary wizard. Grab your favorite pot and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck cut into chunks (You can substitute with beef stew meat)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 3 cloves garlic minced (Feel free to use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch!)
- 4 cups beef broth homemade or store-bought
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 cups diced potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet work best
- 1 cup peas frozen is totally fine
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional ½ cup of red wine for extra flavor
Instructions
- Searing the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and season them with salt and pepper. Sear them until they’re nice and browned on all sides—about 5-7 minutes. This locks in the flavors!
- Sauté the Aromatics: Once the beef is golden brown, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Stirring every now and then, let them cook for about 3 minutes or until the onions turn translucent.
- Deglazing the Pot: If you’re using red wine, now’s the time to pour it in! Scrape up any delicious, browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to let the alcohol cook off.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, along with the tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil!
- Veggie Time: Add in your carrots and potatoes, then lower the heat to a low simmer. Put a lid on it and let it cook for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Finishing Touches: After that time, toss in the peas and let them cook for an additional 10 minutes. Give everything a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. You can also thicken the stew with a cornstarch slurry if you desire!
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up hot in bowls and maybe even throw in some crusty bread on the side. It’s a cozy meal that warms the heart!