Best Ever Beef Stew Recipe

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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:

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. Add Peas (Optional):
  • If using, stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  1. 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!

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