
Hearty Classic Beef Stew – A Cozy Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction
Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This hearty classic beef stew is packed with tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a cozy homemade meal, this one-pot wonder is simple to make and absolutely delicious. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the beef:
- 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck or stewing beef (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the stew:
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1/2 cup red wine or water (optional)
- 3 large carrots (cut into chunks)
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup mushrooms (optional, sliced)
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef in batches, browning each side for about 3–4 minutes. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, and celery. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
Step 3: Build the Base
- Deglaze the pot with red wine or water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Pour in the beef stock and add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, and the bay leaf. Stir well.
Step 4: Add Beef and Vegetables
- Return the seared beef to the pot.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms (if using). Mix everything together.
Step 5: Simmer the Stew
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Check the beef and vegetables for tenderness, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or buttered rolls.
Tips for a Perfect Beef Stew
- For the most tender meat, use beef chuck and cook it slowly over low heat.
- Make it thicker by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors develop further.
Conclusion
This hearty beef stew is the ultimate comfort food for cold days or any time you need a satisfying, warm meal. The tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and rich broth make it a recipe to treasure. Try it out and bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.
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