Savory Homemade Beef Stew A Hearty Classic

Savory Homemade Beef Stew: A Hearty Classic

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Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of homemade beef stew. This savory dish combines tender chunks of beef with an array of colorful vegetables, simmered slowly to develop rich, comforting flavors. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a family favorite, this beef stew recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

  • For the Stew:
    • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 large onion, diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 4 cups beef broth
    • 2 cups carrots, sliced
    • 2 cups potatoes, diced
    • 1 cup celery, sliced
    • 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
    • 1 bay leaf
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For Thickening (Optional):
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option)
    • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Beef:
    • Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the Beef:
    • In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics:
    • In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
  4. Add Ingredients:
    • Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, and cook for another minute. Pour in the beef broth and add the carrots, potatoes, celery, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Simmer:
    • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally.
  6. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
    • If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the flour (or cornstarch) with cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking, allowing it to thicken.
  7. Finish and Serve:
    • Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Stir in the green peas and let them heat through for a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Enjoy:
    • Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade beef stew!

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