Best Ever Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (120 g) frozen peas (optional, added towards the end)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for thickening)
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add beef cubes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Deglaze and Build Flavor:
- If using, pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add beef broth and water, making sure the beef and vegetables are covered. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally.
- Thicken the Stew:
- In a small bowl, combine flour and butter to form a paste (known as a beurre manié).
- Stir the paste into the stew and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Peas (Optional):
- If using, stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Season and Serve:
- Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over a bed of rice, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious, comforting beef stew!