Beef Stew

This beef stew recipe is a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead, this dish features tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich red wine sauce that enhances every bite. The combination of flavors and aromas while cooking will make your kitchen feel inviting and homely.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy Comfort: This beef stew is a classic comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
• Rich Flavor: The addition of red wine and herbs creates a depth of flavor that elevates this dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the vegetables or add your favorite herbs to make it your own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Beef stew tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is simple enough for cooks of any skill level.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience much smoother. Here are the essential items you’ll need to prepare this delicious beef stew.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy pot: A sturdy pot ensures even heat distribution which is vital for simmering the stew perfectly.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, allowing for more efficient prep time.

Ingredients

This beef stew recipe is cozy, hearty, and filling with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes simmered in a rich and flavorful red wine sauce.

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds cubed beef chuck or beef stewing meat (see note)
• Flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil + more as needed (divided)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 sticks celery (chopped)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (see note)
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled & diced)
• 4 medium carrots (peeled & sliced fairly thick)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Beef Stew

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Prep all ingredients before starting. I recommend peeling and cutting the potatoes and carrots just prior to step 8.

Step 2: Dredge the Beef

Coat the beef cubes in flour, shaking off any excess before cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot:
Sear the beef in two batches until nicely browned; avoid overcrowding.
Turn the meat with tongs after a few minutes to get an even sear.
Use additional oil if needed for each batch, then transfer seared beef to a plate.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

If the pot seems quite dry:
Add another teaspoon of olive oil.
Stir in onions and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook while stirring often for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6: Pour in Liquids

Add red wine, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce:
Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance flavor.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Return seared beef back to the pot along with any juices from the plate:
Add Italian seasoning and bay leaves.
Bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Add Potatoes and Carrots

After an hour of simmering:
Stir in potatoes and carrots.
Cover again; continue simmering for another hour until tender. Stir occasionally.

Step 9: Final Touches

Remove bay leaves from stew:
Stir in frozen peas (if using) until warmed through.

Step 10: Season and Serve

Season with salt & pepper as needed before serving hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade beef stew!

How to Serve Beef Stew

Beef stew is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty French Bread – Perfect for dipping into the rich sauce.
• Homemade Biscuits – Fluffy and buttery biscuits complement the stew wonderfully.

Over Rice or Noodles

• Steamed Rice – A bed of rice absorbs the flavorful broth beautifully.
• Egg Noodles – Soft noodles add a hearty touch and soak up the stew.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.
• Thyme Sprigs – Thyme enhances the aroma and flavor profile of the stew.

With a Side Salad

• Garden Salad – Crisp greens with a light vinaigrette balance the richness of the stew.
• Coleslaw – The crunch of coleslaw adds texture and contrasts nicely with the stew.

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How to Perfect Beef Stew

Achieving the perfect beef stew is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Choose Quality Meat – Use well-marbled beef chuck for tenderness and flavor.
• Brown Meat Properly – Searing creates depth; don’t rush this step.
• Use Homemade Broth – For richer flavor, consider using homemade beef broth.
• Simmer Slowly – Allowing more time for simmering enhances flavors and tenderness.
• Adjust Seasoning Wisely – Taste as you go; adding seasoning gradually helps achieve balance.

Best Side Dishes for Beef Stew

Pairing beef stew with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and garlicky, these potatoes soak up the savory sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add sweetness and texture.
3. Buttered Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn provides a fresh contrast to hearty beef stew.
4. Creamy Polenta – Smooth polenta serves as a delightful base that pairs well with stews.
5. Cauliflower Gratin – Cheesy cauliflower offers richness that complements the dish well.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes – Naturally sweet, they provide a healthy contrast to savory flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making beef stew can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not searing the beef before adding other ingredients can result in a less flavorful stew. Take your time to brown the meat properly for a rich base.
• Overcrowding the Pot: If you add too much beef at once, it will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches to ensure even browning.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Underseasoning the stew can leave it bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
• Not Stirring Occasionally: Leaving the stew unattended can lead to sticking or burning on the bottom. Stir occasionally to maintain an even simmer.
• Adding Ingredients Too Early: Some vegetables, like potatoes and carrots, should be added later so they don’t become mushy. Wait until the meat is tender before adding them.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover beef stew in airtight containers.
• It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Beef Stew

• Allow the stew to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• Beef stew can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Beef Stew

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring often until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making beef stew.

How do I make my Beef Stew more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, consider using homemade beef broth and adding herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking.

Can I use other cuts of beef for Beef Stew?

Yes! Cuts like brisket or round are also good options. Just ensure they are suitable for slow cooking.

Is Beef Stew healthy?

Beef stew can be nutritious when made with plenty of vegetables and lean cuts of meat. Adjust ingredients based on dietary needs.

What sides pair well with Beef Stew?

Beef stew pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This beef stew recipe is not only cozy and heartwarming but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings based on your taste. Try this comforting dish today!