Beef Stew Recipe

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for chilly days. Made with tender beef, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper, then toss with the all-purpose flour until evenly coated.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef stew meat to the pot in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned meat from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Return the browned beef stew meat to the pot. Add the beef broth, water, bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
7. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until heated through.
8. Remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
9. Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the stew.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Leftover beef stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Conclusion:

Beef stew is a timeless dish that’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying to eat. With its tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich, savory broth, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on a cold winter’s night or as a comforting dinner with family and friends, beef stew is sure to please everyone at the table.