Best Ever Beef Stew

Nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty bowl of beef stew. This recipe for the Best Ever Beef Stew is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s get started!

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Intensity:

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional; replace with additional broth if desired)
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for added color and flavor)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

3. In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Stew

5. Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, and red wine (if using). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
6. Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, celery, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Stew

7. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined. Stir occasionally and check the consistency; if it’s too thick, add a little more broth or water.

Step 5: Add the Peas and Serve

8. If using, add the frozen peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
9. Once the beef is tender and the stew is flavorful, remove the bay leaves before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy

10. Ladle the beef stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 600mg

This Best Ever Beef Stew is not only comforting and delicious but also perfect for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent dish to enjoy throughout the week. Cozy up with a bowl of this hearty stew and savor every bite! Enjoy!